



Book 



r^ 



Copyright }j^. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSITS 



DISEASES 
or SWINE 



With Special Reference to the 
Preventive Measures of Disease 



BY 

ROBERT A. CRAIG, D.V.M. 

Professor of Veterinary Science and Experiment Station Veterinarian, 
Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind, 



ILLUSTRATED 



ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 

NEW YORK 
1906 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
TwoCooies Recdved 

APR 13 i906 

^ Copyright Entry 
CLASS n XKc. No. 



Copyright, 1906, 
BY ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Prepack vii 

Part I : 

Diagnosis of Diseases ...... , i 

Administration of Medicine 4 

General Diseases : 

Digestive Organs ....... 8-26 

Liver 27-30 

Urinary Organs 31-37 

Spleen 38 

Respiratory Tract 39-52 

Heart 53-56 

Nervous System 57-65 

Generative Organs 66-79 

Skin 80-85 

lyocomotory Organs 86-93 

Part II : 

Surgical Diseases 97-114 

Part III : 

Infectious Diseases 11 7-158 

Part IV : 

Parasitic Diseases 159-186 

lyisT OF Books used as Reference) . . 187 

Index . , 189 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



PAGE 



Badly Cared for Wound in the Abdominal Wall . 25 
Tape Worm or Hydatid Cysts in the I^iver Tissue 28 
Section of Liver Tissue Pigmented by Bile ... 29 
Diseased Kidney Showing Red or Petechial Spots 33 

Large Diseased Kidney 35 

Pig Extractor (*' Cinch") 73 

Black or Pigmented Tumors from Sow's Udder . 75 

Skin Disease Caused by Muck Dirt 83 

Wart from Throat of Hog 84 

lyitter of Pigs Affected with Rickets 88 

Rhachitic Swellings on the Hock Joints of a Pig . 90 

Cholera Hog 121 

Cholera Pig 122 

Piece of Intestine Showing Hog Cholera Ulcers . 127 
Plan for Goodell Portable Hog-house, with Speci- 
fications 131 

Hog Louse and Hair, with Eggs Attached . . .162 

Dipping Tank 165 

Plan for Goodell Dipping Tank, with Specifica- 
tions 166 

Common Round Worms 168 

Round Worms in a Piece of Intestine . . . .169 
Male Thorn-Headed Worm Attached to Wall of 

Intestine 171 

Whip Worms Attached to Wall of Intestines . . 175 
Section of Hog's Kidney Showing Kidney Worms 180 



PREFACE 

• The literature bearing on diseases of hogs is very 
scattering, and it is believed that a short treatise on 
this subject will be of use to stockmen and veterina- 
rians. There is a special need for a work of this kind 
— made known by the many inquiries received by the 
veterinarians from the swine breeders over the coun- 
try, and in other ways. Not long ago the Purdee 
University Agricultural Experiment Station issued 
a bulletin on swine diseases that proved one of 
the most popular bulletins ever issued by this Station. 

In no other class of farm animals is so little atten- 
tion given the preventive measures of disease, and, as 
a result, the per cent, of loss is about twice as great 
as it is in other species. In discussing the different 
diseases, the causes and preventive measures are given 
special attention by the writer. 

There is a certain class of readers that believe it 
unnecessary to learn the correct name of a disease, or 
use the correct term in speaking of a diseased proc- 
ess. However, such technical terms have come into 
more general use during the last few years, and the 
average reader is familiar with the ones commonly 
used. In the different discussions the use of tech- 
nical terms is avoided as far as deemed best, and an 
effort is made to avoid complicated and long discus- 
sions because of the difficulty in understanding them. 

R. A. Craig. 
Purdue University. 

March ji, lgo6. 



PART I 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



GENERAL DISEASES 

DIAGNOSIS OR RECOGNITION OF DISEASE 

The diagnosis is based on a careful observation of 
the symptoms or evidences of disease. This is not as 
difficult in swine as it is in some of the other farm 
animals, but unless we are acquainted with the be- 
havior and habits of swine and possess a knowledge 
of the normal function and appearance of the differ- 
ent organs of the body, we cannot expect to recognize 
disease. This is very essential, for without it we are 
unable to recognize the true nature of the diseased 
process, and cannot use an intelligent line of treat- 
ment. Stockmen have plenty of opportunity to gain 
this knowledge by practical experience and careful 
observation. 

The general symptoms of disease are those affect- 
ing the entire system. They inform us as to the con- 
dition of the animal at the outset and during the prog- 
ress of the disease. Thus we have the symptoms 
connected with the (a) pulse, (b) respirations, (c) 
body temperature, (d) visible mucous membranes, 
(e) surface of the body, (f) secretions and excre- 
tions, and (g) nervous system. 



2 DISEASES OF SWINE 

The nttmhcr of respirations per minute will vary in 
a healthy animal, and are frequently accompanied by 
respiratory sounds, as grunting, etc. During rest 
they vary from ten to twenty per minute ; if warm or 
excited and during exercise, from sixty to one hun- 
dred. 

In disease the respiration may be quickened, la- 
bored, and noisy. In pleurisy the walls of the chest 
are held more or less rigid, and the abdominal walls 
are used in breathing. This is called the abdominal 
form of respiration. In the thoracic form, which 
occurs in an inflammation of the lining membrane of 
the abdomen, the abdominal walls are held rigid and 
the movement of the chest walls is increased. In 
thumps a sudden contraction of the flanks occurs. 

In the different diseases of the air passages and 
lungs the altered sounds and movements of the 
respiratory muscles are of great importance, both in 
the recognition of the different diseases and in noting 
their progress. The secretions from the lining mem- 
branes are also increased and modified. When the 
air passages are irritated by dust and lung worms, 
sneezing and coughing occur. The different lung 
sounds, nasal secretions, etc., will be discussed in con- 
nection with the different respiratory diseases. 

The body teinperature, as in all farm animals, is 
taken in the rectum, the ordinary fever thermometer 
being used. The normal temperature of a hog varies 
from 100.5° to 105°. The average is about 103°. 
The variation in the body temperature in health is 
due to the following conditions : exercise and warm 



GENERAL DISEASES 



quarters will raise it, while cold quarters and drink- 
ing cold water has the opposite effect. 

In disease there may be from one to four degrees 
of fever. In some disorders the body temperature is 
below the normal. 

The visible mucous membranes are those lining the 
mouth, nose, and eyelids. They may become changed 
in appearance in acute and chronic forms of disease. 

In health the visible mucous membranes are a pale 
reddish color and appear ,moist. Their color, how- 
ever, will vary, and may become a deep red during 
exercise. The following changes may be noted in 
disease: when inflamed and in feverish conditions, a 
bright red; in collapse, internal hemorrhage, and im- 
poverished or bloodless conditions of the body, pale; 
in the beginning of a fever, dry, but in later stages, 
excessively moist. The mucous membrane lining the 
mouth may become coated and soapy, like in digest- 
ive diseases. ' In hog cholera and other serious febrile 
diseases, secretions may accumulate around the mar- 
gins of the eyelids and the eyes appear dull. 

The skin of a healthy hog feels mellow and soft, 
and the coat appears heavy, smooth, and glossy. How- 
ever, the skin and coat of a healthy animal are subject 
to a great deal of variation because of the surround- 
ings and care. When the coat is thin, irritation from 
the sun and dirt may greatly change the appearance 
of the skin. An inelastic, hard, rigid, scurvy skin, 
and a dry, thin, rough, harsh coat indicate an un- 
thrifty, unhealthy condition. 

The character of the body excretions and secre- 



4 DISEASES OF SWINE 

tions will be discussed in connection with the symp- 
toms of the different diseases. These become greatly 
changed in some cases, and are important symptoms 
of disease. 

The condition of the nervous system is indicated by 
dulness, excitability, or delirium. The hog may 
stagger, walk stiffly, drop the head, turn the head to 
one side, walk in a circle, have convulsions, and show 
a paralysis of a part or the whole body, as a result of 
a diseased condition of some part of the nervous 
system. 

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE 

The different methods of giving medicine are as 
follows: (a) by way of the mouth, {h) by injecting 
into the tissues beneath the skin, {c) hy rubbing into 
the skin, {d) by the air passages and lungs, and {e) 
by the rectum. 

By way of the mouth is the most common method 
of dosing hogs. Medicine can be given in the feed 
or as a drench. Because of the comparative simple 
digestive tract, drugs enter the system quickly and 
act in a short time when either of these methods is 
used. 

If the hog is not too sick to eat and the drug 
does not have an unpleasant taste, it can be given in 
the feed. If soluble, milk or thin slop can be used, 
and if insoluble, ground feed is to be preferred. 
When a large number of swine are to be dosed, they 
should be separated into small bunches and each 
bunch dosed separately. In all cases when the dose 



GENERAL DISEASED 5 

is large or poisonous drugs used, the medicine must 
be well mixed with the feed. If this is practiced, 
there is more certainty of each animal getting the 
proper dose and the danger from over-dosing is 
avoided. In young pigs we can take advantage of 
the fact that some drugs are excreted in the milk, 
and administer them to the mother. 

Drenching a hog is not difficult if the animal is 
easy to manage and we go about it quietly. The 
quickest and easiest way to drench a drove of hogs 
is to drive them into a small pen, where they have 
but little room to move about. To hold the animal 
while drenching it, a noose of sash cord or quarter- 
inch rope can be placed around the upper jaw well 
back toward the angles of the lips, and the medicine 
thrown into the back part of the mouth with a dose 
syringe. As there is danger of the hog breaking the 
syringe, it is best to use a metal one. Sometimes 
when the drench is bulky and the hog hard to hold, 
it is necessary to elevate the head and raise the fore 
feet off the ground. For this purpose a pulley and 
rope wire stretcher is recommended. It should be 
hung in the most convenient part of the pen, and the 
animal secured in the usual way by placing a noose 
around the jaw. The end of the rope is thrown over 
the hook in the lower pulley and the hog drawn up 
until it is almost off the floor. It is best to wait until 
the hog has become quiet and well under control 
before giving it the drench, as there is some danger 
of the medicine getting into the air passages and 
doing harm. If there is any chance for the hogs that 



6 DISEASES OF SWINE 

have been dosed to become mixed with the others, 
they should be marked with paint in order to avoid 
mistakes. 

Soluble drugs are best given in a milk or water 
drench, insoluble ones in syrup or oil. Instead of a 
syringe, a long-necked bottle, or a funnel with rubber 
tubing and an iron nozzle, can be used. However, it 
is not advisable to use a bottle, as there is danger of 
the hog breaking it and cutting his mouth on the 
glass. 

Non-irritating drugs can be injected into the tissues 
beneath the skin. This method of giving drugs is 
suitable when the dose is small, and prompt, energetic 
results required. The active principal or alkaloid of 
the drug is generally used. 

The point of injection should be where the skin is 
thin, as the flank, belly, inside of the thigh, etc. In 
fat hogs a part where there is but little fatty tissue 
should be chosen or the injection made direct into 
the muscular tissue, otherwise it will not be absorbed 
promptly. The needle and hypodermic syringe must 
be clean, and the skin cleaned with a disinfectant be- 
fore passing a needle through it, in order to prevent 
infection and abscess formation. 

Giving medicine by way of the air passages and 
lungs is but little used in hogs. Drugs in the form of 
medicated steam or vapors are sometimes used for 
their local effect on the air passages. Veterinarians 
seldom attempt to anesthetize a hog, especially if fat, 
as it is too difficult and very apt to kill the animal. 

Drugs suitable for the purpose of inhalation are 



GENERAL DISEASES 7 

turpentine, creolin, tar disinfectants, sulphur, etc. 
Turpentine is the one most used, and is easily dissem- 
inated by pouring on boiling water or on hot bricks. 
It is necessary to put the hogs into a tight enclosure, 
or they will get but little benefit from the vapors. 
However, care must be taken or the animals may suf- 
fer from the lack of air. 

Drugs given by way of the rectum in the form of 
an injection, enema or clyster, are used for their local 
effect on the intestine and to accelerate the action of 
a purgative. 

It is best to use some form of a fountain syringe 
in giving a rectal injection. About two feet of rub- 
ber tubing carrying a funnel at one end will answer 
the purpose very well. In giving an injection, the 
feces should be first removed from the rectum and 
the nozzle of the syringe smeared with vaseline be- 
fore introducing it. From two to four quarts of 
water may be slowly injected into the intestines of a 
grown hog. When giving a large injection, it is best 
to elevate the hind parts, so as to help the water to 
gravitate forward along the canal. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 

SIMPLE INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH- 
STOMATITIS 

Simple sore mouth in hogs is no doubt more 
common than we are aware of, as a large per cent, 
of the cases do not show marked symptoms and 
escape notice. 

Causes. — Among the common: causes of this dis- 
ease can be mentioned putrid or decomposed slops, 
and water from foul wallows, especially that contain- 
ing seepage from hog lots and manure heaps. Such 
fluids contain a large number of injurious germs 
which may irritate the lining membrane of the mouth, 
and if the hog is unthrifty, or the mucous membrane 
abraded, are very apt to produce disease. 

Wounds and irritation, caused by awns and beards 
of barley and wheat in the feed and the rope loops 
used in catching hogs, may be the direct or indirect 
causes of the parts becoming inflamed. Small inflamed 
patches are frequently seen on the inside of the lips, 
cheeks, and other parts of the mouth in such diseases 
as hog cholera, swine plague, anthrax, and actino- 
mycosis. 

Symptoms. — At the beginning of the inflammation 
the mucous membrane lining the mouth is hot, dry, 
and red. This stage of the disease is so short that it 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 9 

is often overlooked, and, usually, it is not until the 
stage of secretion begins that the inflammation is 
noticed. When this occurs, saliva is seen dribbling 
from the mouth and hanging in ropes from the lips. 
The hog shows a disposition to eat sparingly, or re- 
fuses to eat at all, mastication is painful, and the 
mouth has a bad odor. 

The animal will champ the jaws at times, and seems 
to find relief in running the snout into water. Slops 
and soft foods are preferred, and if corn is taken into 
the mouth, the animal is unable to chew it and a large 
part will drop out. Mild cases do not show marked 
symptoms, and only a slight or local soreness is 
noticed. 

Simple sore mouth is not a serious disease and re- 
covery usually occurs within a few days, even when 
little or no treatment is used. 

Treatment. — Preventive measures are important. 
Hogs should not be fed grains containing awns, and 
when catching hogs with a loop we should be care- 
ful and not bruise the mouth. Hot and putrid foods 
and irritating drenches should not be given, not be- 
cause of their irritatmg effect on the mouth alone, but 
because of the injurious effect they have on other 
parts of the digestive system. 

To relieve the pain and help in keeping the mouth 
clean, plenty of clean water should be placed where 
the hog can run his snout into it. Hard, dry foods 
should be withheld and the animal fed nothing but 
sloppy feeds. 

The medicinal treatment consists in washing the 



lO DISEASES OF SWINE 

mouth twice a day with an astringent or antiseptic 
washo A four per cent, water solution of boric acid 
or alum can be used. These washes are especially 
advisable in young pigs. A one or two per cent, 
water solution of some of the tar disinfectants is best 
in cases that have a disagreeable odor and sloughing 
of the mucous membrane. The treatment should be 
kept up until the inflammation subsides and the hog 
begins to eat. 

DEPRAVED APPETITE 

Depraved appetite is not a very common or im- 
portant disease of hogs. It generally occurs as a 
symptom of some other disease, but may occur as a 
result of feeding a faulty ration (one deficient in 
alkaline or earthy salts), lack of exercise, digestive 
disorders, and a nervous condition. It is frequently 
noticed at the beginning of a hog cholera outbreak. 

Symptons. — Hogs do not thrive as they should 
when affected by this disease, and they may become 
very thin and out of condition. An inclination to eat 
all sorts of indigestible substances, such as earth, 
sand, feces, bristles, rotten wood, etc., is shown. 
Sometimes the animals become very nervous and 
quarrelsome, and attack one of their number and kill 
it. When affected by this disease, some sows eat 
their young pigs. 

Treatment. — This is chiefly preventive, and con- 
sists in adding to the ration whatever elements it is 
deficient in. When occurring as a symptom of some 
other disease, the primary disease should be treated. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS II 

The feeding of charcoal, salt, wood ashes, etc., may 

supply the elements needed by the system and re- 

•lieve the condition. When a sow forms the habit of 

eating her pigs, she should not be used for breeding 

purposes. 

ACUTE INDIGESTION— ACUTE GASTRITIS 

Acute indigestion is not an uncommon disease of 
hogs. It frequently occurs in swill-fed and fattening 
hogs. 

Causes. — The common causes of irritation to the 
stomach are overloading and eating spoiled foods, 
especially putrid swills. Alkaline washing powders 
and soaps in the swill, and the feeding of hog chol- 
era medicine as a preventive for hog cholera, may ir- 
ritate and inflame the stomach. Poor care and ex- 
posure may also cause it. 

Symptoms. — The hog usually goes off by itself and 
lies down in some quiet place, or stands with the back 
arched and abdomen tense. Vomiting sometimes oc- 
curs early in the attack. The animal is dull and 
feverish, and is usually found lying down in the 
litter around straw stacks and manure heaps, or in 
the long grass and weeds. When disturbed, it will 
grunt and show other evidence of abdominal pain. 

In severe cases the animal is quite feverish, and if 
the intestines are irritated a diarrhoea occurs. This is 
a frequent complication. 

When vomiting occurs early in the attack the ir- 
ritating material is gotten rid of, and the course 
of the disease is shortened. In most cases recovery 



12 DISEASES OF SWINE 

does not occur for several days, and it may end in 
the chronic form. 

Treatment. — Decomposed and irritating foods* 
should not be fed. We should also practice care 
when irritating drugs are given in the feed and as a 
drench, as their careless use may irritate the stomach. 

It is always desirable to induce vomiting as soon 
as possible by giving an emetic. Ipecacuanha is a very 
useful emetic. The dose is twenty or thirty grains 
in a little warm water. This should be followed by 
a physic of linseed oil (two or three ounces). If the 
weather is disagreeable, the hog should be given 
comfortable quarters, and when it begins to eat, fed 
a light, sloppy diet for a few days. 

CHRONIC INDIGESTION— CHRONIC GASTRITIS 

Causes. — When the causes of acute indigestion act 
for some time, either in an intermittent or contm" 
uous manner, it may result in the indigestion becom- 
ing chronic. Weakness or debility hinders digestion 
of the food in the stomach, and is a common pre- 
disposing cause. Other causes are intestinal worms 
and innutritions food. 

Symptoms. — In the beginning the symptoms are 
usually the same as in the acute form of the disease. 
Hogs become unthrifty, and pigs grow slowly and 
become badly stunted. The animal is constipated, or 
constipation and diarrhoea may alternate. Colicky at- 
tacks occur at times, manifested by restlessness and 
other symptoms of abdominal pain. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 1 3 

This disease may persist for a long time, and the 
hog becomes badly stunted. 

Treatment. — Preventive measures along the same 
line as in acute indigestion are indicated. If the ra- 
tion is at fault it should be changed, and if intestinal 
parasites are the cause of the disease, they should be 
gotten rid of in the usual way. 

Clean quarters and a well-balanced, easily digested 
ration should be provided. The hog should be given 
access to plenty of common salt and charcoal. In 
most cases it is best to give a tonic in order to in- 
crease the activity of the digestive organs. The fol- 
lowing is a useful tonic mixture, and can be given in 
teaspoonful doses in the feed twice a day : bicar- 
bonate of soda (three ounces), powdered gentian 
(three drams), sulphate of soda (three ounces). Any 
of the bitter and saline tonics are useful in helping 
to relieve this condition. To check the diarrhoea, 
nitrate of bismuth can be given in half-dram or dram 
doses. If the animal is constipated, a physic of calo- 
mel (ten to twenty grains) or castor oil should be 
given. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH AND INTES- 
TINES— GASTRO- ENTERITIS 

Inflammation of the stomach cannot be distin- 
guished by the symptoms shown from that of the 
intestines and vice versa. Frequently both are in- 
flamed at the same time. It is, therefore, more con- 
venient to discuss both under the one head. 

Causes. — This disease is largely due to filthy sur- 



14 DISEASES OF SWINE 

roimdings and irritating feeds. Some people seem 
to think that a hog can eat anything and take poison 
with impunity, and, as a result, it frequently suffers 
from ignorant methods in the feeding, care, and 
giving of drugs. 

The cause of inflammation of the stomach and in- 
testines are much the same as in acute indigestion, 
only they act more intensely. Dirty, filthy yards and 
pens, and decomposed, overkept foods can be espe- 
cially mentioned. When hogs are kept under such 
conditions the snout and food becomes soiled with 
filth and injurious organisms. These enter the diges- 
tive tract and irritate the lining membrane, causing 
it to become inflamed, and paving the way for cer- 
tain bacteria that would under other conditions prove 
harmless. 

Toxic or poisonous substances, as salt brine, wash- 
ing powders, wash waters, etc., that are frequently 
found in the swill, may cause a severe inflammation 
of the stomach and intestines. 

Symptoms. — The first symptoms usually noticed 
are those of severe abdominal pain. The back is 
arched, the ears droop, and the abdomen is tucked 
up. When the abdominal walls are pressed on the 
hog will flinch and show other evidence of pain, such 
as grunting, squealing, restlessness, champing and 
grinding of the teeth. The body temperature is high- 
er than normal, especially at the beginning of the 
disease. If the intestinal contents ferment or ob- 
struct the intestines, bloating occurs. The inflamma- 
tion causes the animal to suffer severelv at first, and 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 1 5 

have an intense thirst. The intestines are consti- 
pated at this stage of the disease, later a diarrhoea 
is present. When 'the stoma^rh is involved, vomiting 
is one of the prominent symptoms. 

The hog finally becomes very weak, and is gen- 
erally seen lying down in a bed that it has rooted for 
itself in the litter. . There is no rule as to the duration 
of the disease. It may last for a short time or con- 
tinue for a week or more. 

Lesions. — The mucous membrane lining the stom- 
ach and intestines is thickened and inflamed. If the 
inflammatory changes have been going on for some 
time, small pouch-like ulcers (follicular) may be seen 
scattered over the mucous surface. The mesenteric 
lymphatic glands are also red and inflamed. 

In severe cases the entire wall of the small intes- 
tine and the peritoneum may take part in the inflam- 
mation. The contents of the intestines are mucous 
and flaky, sometimes mixed with blood. 

Treatment. — The preventive treatment consists in 
bettering the hygenic conditions in the hog lot, and 
avoiding poisonous and irritating slops. The same 
measures of prevention recommended in acute and 
chronic indigestion are indicated in this disease. 

The hog should be given clean, comfortable quar- 
ters. If vomiting has not occurred early in the at- 
tack, the offensive material should be gotten rid of 
by giving an emetic of ipecacuanha (twenty or thirty 
grains in a little water). Sulphate of zinc (ten to 
fifteen grains), can be used in the same way as the 
ipecacuanha, and is a useful emetic in hogs. This can 



l6 DISEASES OF SWINE 

be followed by a physic of calomel (ten to thirty 
grains), or castor oil. To relieve the pain, a teaspoon- 
ful of tincture of opium in about the same quantity 
of linseed oil can be given, and repeated, if neces- 
sary, every three or four hours until relieved. In 
addition to the physic, rectal injections of warm, 
soapy water may be necessary. When diarrhoea oc- 
curs, it should be treated promptly. Nitrate of bis- 
muth in half-dram doses, three times daily, suppli- 
mented in bad cases by tincture of opium, will us- 
ually check it. 

As a counter-irritant, oil of turpentine can be ap- 
plied to the walls of the abdomen and covered up 
until the skin is irritated and reddened. 

The best diet for the animal is thin, well-cooked 
gruel. This should be fed until the hog is able to 
digest heavier food. 

POISONING 

Meat brine and washing powders are the most 
common causes of poisoning in hogs. There are a 
number of other irritating and poisonous substances 
and drugs that sometimes find their way into the food 
and are eaten by hogs. A few of the more important 
poisons will be discussed under their separate heads. 
No great loss from this source, occurs. 

Poisoning from Meat Brine. — Brine from meat 
barrels and fish kegs is sometimes emptied into the 
swill, or in some place where the hogs can get to it. 
When eaten, it causes an intense inflammation of the 
stomach and intestines. Hogs do not eat too much 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS I7 

or too freely of salt if they have access to it at all 
times, but the meaty taste of the brine or some other 
peculiarity adds to their desire for it. 

The symptoms come on soon after the hog has 
eaten the brine. The hog is restless at first, and runs 
from one place to another, lies down and gets up 
again, stamps the feet and squeals. Convulsions oc- 
cur, during which the hog throws itself around vio- 
lently and froths at the mouth. The pain is severe. 
As death approaches, the intervals between the con- 
vulsions become shorter. Vomiting is a common 
symptom. In the latter stages a marked stupor 
comes on, and the hind parts are usually paralyzed. 
If the hog lives a few days, a watery diarrhoea 
occurs. 

The treatment consists in giving an emetic as 
early in the attack as possible. If this is done 
promptly, and the hog gets rid of the poison by 
vomiting, the animal will be but little inconvenienced. 
Ten or fifteen grains of sulphate of zinc in a little 
warm water is a very useful emetic. Plenty of drink- 
ing water should be allowed, and to relieve the irri- 
tation to the stomach and intestines, oils or flaxseed 
tea should be given. Stimulants are indicated if the 
hog acts stupid. To quiet the pain, a teaspoonful of 
tincture of opium may be given at short intervals. 

Poisoning from Washing Powders. — Poisoning 
from washing powders occurs when wash waters are 
emptied in with the kitchen slops. 

The symptoms are dulness, loss of appetite, moder- 
ate high temperature, tenderness on pressing the ab- 



l8 DISEASED*. OF SWINE 

dominal walls with the hands, diarrhoea, vomiting, 
lameness, nervous disturbances, and a partial paraly- 
sis. In some cases the symptoms and course of the 
disease resemble that of *' hog cholera/' 

The treatment is mostly preventive, and consists 
in avoiding the feeding of slops containing washing 
powders. If this form of poisoning is suspected or 
recognized, vinegar should be given in the early part 
of the attack, in order to neutralize the alkaline 
substances. » 

Poisoning from Feeding Cottonseed. — Fatal re- 
sults may follow the feeding of cottonseed to hogs, 
whether given ground, boiled, or as droppings from 
cattle. However, poisoning is less apt to occur under 
the latter condition than in any other way. 

The evil effects of the cottonseed may not be 
noticed for several weeks after the hogs have begun 
eating it. The symptoms are as follows: Dulness, 
staggering gait, labored breathing, spasmodic in 
character, and usually called '' thumps," loss of sight, 
restlessness, walking in a circle, running into ob- 
structions, lying down on the belly, and, finally, sud- 
den exhaustion and death. In the majority of cases 
the hogs are found dead in their beds, or in the yard, 
ten or twelve hours after they have apparently been 
in the best of health. 

The only treatment, that can be recommended is 
preventive, and consists in avoiding cottonseed as a 
feed for hogs for more than two weeks at a time, 
unless it is in the droppings from cattle. 

Poisoning from Eating Ergot. — Hogs may be 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS I9 

poisoned by eating screenings from the thresher or 
elevator that contain ergot. It may possibly be pro- 
duced on pasture, particularly rye pasture, in years 
favorable for the growth of this fungus. Ergot 
grows mostly on the heads of rye, especially wild rye. 

The symptoms are a stiff, lame gait, like in rheu- 
matism, swollen, tender joints and feet, and gan- 
grene of different parts of the body. The extremi- 
ties, especially the tail and ears, lose their natural 
warmth and vitality, and deep red spots that be- 
come black and dead looking form on the skin. A 
part of the ears and tail finally cracks and drops off, 
and the gangrenous tissue in other parts of the body 
separates from the healthy part and drops out. The 
mouth may also appear sore, the eyes swollen, and 
the appetite interfered with. 

The treatment consists in examining into the char- 
acter of the ration as soon as the symptoms manifest 
themselves, and cut off that portion containing the 
ergot. Hogs affected by ergot poisoning during the 
cold weather should be given warm quarters, as this 
prevents to some extent the sloughing of the extrem- 
ities. Iodide of potassium can be given in ten or 
fifteen grain doses in the slop twice a day. 

EFFECT OF EATING WHEAT AND BARLEY 

BEARDS 

Hogs sometimes die when turned on wheat and 
barley stubble, and around straw stacks. In some 
cases the disease is a severe sore mouth, in others it 



20 DISEASES OF SWINE 

is a general intestinal disturbance, or sore throat 
accompanied by loud and difficult breathing. The 
symptoms vary a great deal in this disease. 

Lesions. — On examining the hog after death the 
beards are found in the mouth, stomach, throat, and 
larnyx. The beards penetrate the lining membranes 
of these organs, irritating and inflaming them. Some- 
times they form a roll or ball, and work down beside 
the tongue, usually toward its base, or they may pass 
on and become lodged in the air passages and stom- 
ach. The character of the inflammation depends 
largely on the length of time the beards have been 
lodged in the part. 

Treatment. — When possible, the beards lodged in 
the mouth and throat should be removed. If in the 
air passages and stomach, they cannot be removed 
and the animal will die of sufifocation or an inflam- 
mation of the parts. After removing the irritation 
from the mouth, the hog should be given treatment 
for sore mouth. 

DIARRHOEA IN YOUNG PIGS— SCOURS 

Causes. — Scours in pigs is frequently caused with- 
in the first few days after birth by the feverish con- 
dition of the mother affecting the character of the 
milk. Fermentive foods, slops, moldy corn, etc., when 
fed to the mother, may cause her to give poisonous 
or toxic milk. Chilly, damp weather, getting out in 
the wet grass when too young, bringing the pigs 
up by hand, or with another sow, are frequent causes. 
Young pigs, when kept in damp, dark, dirty pens 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 21 

are more apt to have scours than when kept in clean 
pens and allowed plenty of exercise, pure air, and 
sunshine. Some outbreaks seem to be of an infec- 
tious character, as is the case in lambs and calves. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms may set in so soon 
after birth that the pig is seemingly born with the 
affection. When the disease does not come on until 
the pig is a few days or a few weeks old, the scours 
are generally preceded by constipation. 

The symptoms are fluid evacuations, grayish in col- 
or, and possessing a disagreeable odor. These be- 
come more watery as the disease progresses, and the 
tail and hind parts become soiled with the discharges. 
At the beginning the appetite may be good, but it is 
gradually lost, and the pig becomes dull and weak. 
The back is arched, the hair rough, and there is an 
indisposition to move about. 

When the symptoms set in soon after birth the 
disease is more fatal, and a larger per cent, die than 
when the pigs are a week or so old. 

Treatment. — As scours in pigs is a disease largely 
due to a faulty diet and unhygenic conditions, the 
preventive treatment is of more importance and gives 
better results than the medicinal. 

At the time of farrowing the sow should be fed a 
light diet^ and the pen kept clean and dry. The pigs 
should be allowed plenty of exercise, pure air, and 
sunshine. If the mother appears feverish, she should 
be given a physic of castor oil (two or three ounces). 
Sour swill and mouldy feed should not be fed. 

To check the scours in the pigs, two or three tea- 



22 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Spoonfuls of tincture of opium should be given the 
mother, or a few drops placed on the pigs' tongues. 
This should be repeated as often as necessary. In 
some cases the pigs should be given a physic in order 
to get rid of the irritation, but this part of the treat- 
ment is usually unnecessary. 

DIARRHCEA— DYSENTERY 

Diarrhoea is a common symptom of many dis- 
eases of the digestive tract. The immediate cause is 
an irritated condition of the mucous membrane lining 
the intestines and a profuse secretion from the in- 
testinal glands. 

Causes. — Among the common causes of diarrhoea 
can be mentioned irritating feeds, sudden changes in 
the feed, especially to green rye and corn, irritation 
from intestinal worms, imperfect mastication of the 
food, and its imperfect preparation for digestion, 
eating more food than the digestive organs can well 
digest, a debilitated condition, and irritation from 
undigested food. 

Treatment. — The preventive treatment consists in 
avoiding such conditions as may cause the disease. 
When diarrhoea occurs as a symptom of some other 
ailment, this must first be treated, and the cause re- 
moved. 

The hog should be given a light diet, or all food 
withheld for a short time, and the intestines relieved 
of the irritation by giving a physic of castor oil or 
calomel. This should be followed by tincture of 
opium (one to two teaspoonfuls), prepared chalk 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 23 

(one-half to one tablespoonful), or nitrate of bis- 
muth (one teaspoonful). When any one of these 
drugs is used the dose should be repeated as often as 
necessary, usually three times a day. The following 
preparation is very useful: bismuth subnitrate (one- 
quarter ounce), salol (one-quarter ounce), and bi- 
carbonate of soda (one-half ounce) ; mix, and give 
a small teaspoonful in a milk drench three times a 
day. The animal should be kept quiet, and given 
comfortable quarters. 

CONSTIPATION 

Constipation consists in an undue retention of the 
feces, and their becoming hard and dry. It may pre- 
cede a diarrhoea, because of the dry and inflamed 
condition of the intestines. It may also occur as a 
symptom of other intestinal diseases. 

Symptoms. — The droppings are dry looking, and 
may be more or less covered with mucus. A promi- 
nent symptom is the straining attempts to defecate. 
The appetite is impaired, the hog acts dull and stands 
with the head down, or goes off by itself, hunts a 
quiet place, and lies down. Colicky pains are some- 
times manifested. Eversion of the rectum may occur, 
especially if the animal has eaten freely of dry food. 

Constipation occurring from other causes than a 
complication of disease seldom takes on a serious 
form. 

Treatment. — When the animal becomes consti- 
pated, all dry food should be withheld, a sloppy diet 
fed, and plenty of drinking water allowed. In some 



24 DISEASES OF SWINE 

cases it is well to exercise the hog. A physic of 
castor or linseed oil should be given, but overdosing 
with physics should be avoided. The action of the 
oil should be assisted by rectal injection of warm 
soapy water. This line of treatment must be per- 
sisted in, until the constipated condition is relieved. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PERITONEUM— PERI- 
TONITIS 

Causes. — This is not a common disease of hogs, 
as the lining membrane of the abdominal cavity is 
less succeptible to irritation from germs than that of 
most other animals. Peritonitis usually occurs as a 
result of an inflammation of the intestines, or womb, 
and is more often met with in the female than in the 
male, because of the difference in the development of 
the generative organs. Other causes are injuries to 
the abdominal walls and exposure to cold. 

Symptoms. — As peritonitis does not usually occur 
as a distinct and separate disease, but secondarily, the 
symptoms are usually overshadowed by the original 
disease. The abdominal walls are held tense, the 
breathing is carried on mainly by the ribs, the pulse 
is quick and small, and the body temperature is 
higher than normal. The hog acts dull and depressed, 
refuses to eat, or eats but sparingly, and the abdomi- 
nal pain may be severe. Diarrhoea sometimes occurs. 
When the inflammation is in the region of the urinary 
organs, urine is passed in small quantities and at fre- 
quent intervals. The animal moves slowly and takes 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 



25 



short steps, and shows a great deal of stiffness and 
soreness when moving about. 

Peritonitis usually terminates in death. In some 
cases it takes on the chronic form. When this oc- 
curs the hog becomes very unthrifty and weak, and 
after a time may die. It is in mild cases only that 
recovery occurs. 

Treatment. — The preventive precautions consist in 




FIG. I — A BADLY CARED FOR WOUND IN THE ABDOMINAL WALL 

observing strict antiseptic precautions and cleanli- 
ness in such operations as spaying and castrating, and 
when assisting in a difficult birth. Wounds in the 
region of the abdomen should be dressed daily with 
disinfectants and kept clean. 

As early in the attack as possible a cathartic of 
Epsom salts (three or four ounces), or calomel (ten 



26 DISEASES OF SWINE 

to fifteen grains) should be given. To clean out the 
posterior bowel, rectal injections may be used. When 
hot water fomentations are applied to the abdominal 
walls, they should be kept up for several days. The 
pain can be relieved by giving tincture of opium in 
teaspoonful doses every three or four hours. 

It is best to feed a sloppy, light diet, and give the 
animal comfortable quarters away from the herd. 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER 

JAUNDICE— YELLOWS 

This is not a disease in itself, but rather a symp- 
torn of disease. It is difficult to recognize liver dis- 
eases in hogs, and quite impossible to differentiate one 
from another. For this reason, it is more convenient 
to discuss liver diseases under the head of jaundice. 

Causes. — Gall-stones are occasionally found in 
hogs, and resemble fine sand in appearance. They 
may be found as large as peas. The cause of gall- 
stones are lack of exercise, overfeeding, concentra- 
tion of the bile and its becoming infected by bac- 
teria. 

Liver flukes and intestinal worms may obstruct the 
bile duct as they pass along it. The former para- 
site is seldom the cause of liver diseases in this coun- 
try, but the common round worm is a frequent 
cause of irritation and inflammation of the bile duct. 

Inflammation of the bile duct may occur as a com- 
plication of indigestion or a catarrhal inflammation of 
the small intestine. The main causes, however, are 
overfeeding, lack of exercise, and decomposed foods. 

Inflammation of the liver is frequently met with 
in germ diseases, and as a complication of indiges- 
tion. Certain micro-organisms entering the digestive 
tract along with the food and finding their way to the 

27 



28 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



liver may cause it to become inflamed. The charac- 
ter of the circulation in the gland is favorable for 
this sort of infection. 



Symptoms. — Any condition 



the pressure 



in the bile ducts, . or lowering the blood pressure in 




FIG. 2 — TAPEWORM OR HYDATED CYSTS IN THE LIVER TISSUE 



the liver, may cause the bile to be taken up by the 
blood. When this occurs, the bile pigments are de- 
posited in different parts of the body staining the 
tissues a yellowish color. This is quite noticeable in 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER 



29 



the areolar tissue just beneath the skin and in the fat, 
a condition sometimes met with in apparently healthy 
hogs killed in the abattoir. A staining of the white 
of the eye, lining membrane of the eyelids, and the 
skin cannot be observed in hogs as readily as in 
some animals. When it does occur it is an impor- 
tant help in the diagnosis. 





FIG. 3 — A SECTION OF LIVER TISSUE PIGMENTED BY BILE 

When the icteric condition occurs as a symptom or 
complication of another disease, the hog will also 
show symptoms of the original disease. These may 
be symptoms of acute or chronic indigestion, liver 
flukes, intestinal worms, gall-stones, etc. 

The coloring matter from the bile may be present 
in the urine and greatly disturb the function of the 
kidneys. Constipation usually occurs, and the feces 



30 DISEASES OF SWINE 

have a more disagreeable odor than normal, because 
of the decomposition of the fats and other elements 
in the food. The animal usually acts dull and de- 
pressed. 

Treatment. — When the jaundice occurs as a sepa- 
rate disease of the liver, and not as a complication, 
it mav be relieved by giving the hog a chance to take 
exercise, and by feeding a light ration. It is also 
advisable to give a physic of Epsom salts, or calomel, 
and repeat the dose daily for a few days. 

As jaundice is usually caused by indigestion, in- 
testinal worms, etc., these, causes must be removed 
before we can correct the disease. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS 

CONGESTION AND INFLAMMATION 
OF THE KIDNEYS 

Causes. — Congestion and inflammation of the 
kidneys, as a result of an injury, is not uncommon 
in hogs. Blows and kicks in the region of the back, 
or injuries resulting from the drove piling up, are 
among the common causes. Exposure and wet, cold 
quarters, as in other domestic animals, are frequent 
causes, but such irritating drugs as turpentine and 
cantharides, when applied to the skin or given in- 
ternally, are not as important causes. 

Kidney diseases are commonly due to germs and 
their poisonous products, and these organs frequently 
become involved in blood poisoning and such infec- 
tious diseases as hog cholera and swine plague. 

Synnptoms. — The symptoms are so hidden that it 
is difficult to recognize the disease in the majority 
of cases. 

The hog may show a disposition to lie down most 
of the time, and when it moves about the gait is apt 
to be stiff and straddling. Other symptoms of pain 
are sometimes manifested, and the appetite is usually 
irregular. The urine is passed in small quantities and 
at short intervals, is more highly colored than normal, 
and may be tinged with blood. 

In well-developed cases the body temperature is 

31 



32 DISEASES OF SWINE 

higher than normal, the respirations and pulse-beats 
are quickened, and the urine scant and highly col- 
ored. The hog's back may be sensitive to pressure, 
but this is not usually manifested. When the hog 
stands, the loins are arched and held stiffly, and the 
hind feet are placed well under the body. 

In the latter stages of the disease, when the symp- 
toms are severe, the urinary products accumulate in 
the system, and what is known as uremic poisoning 
occurs. Marked depression and convulsions are the 
symptoms seen in such cases. 

Chronic inflammation of the kidneys may develop 
very slowly without giving rise to any noticeable 
symptom or symptoms, until the changes in the kid- 
ney structure become so advanced that they cannot 
perform their function, and death finally occurs from 
uremic poisoning, or heart-failure. 

In the chronic form the symptoms are somewhat 
different from those of the acute. The urine is clear 
in color and secreted in large quantities. The hog is 
stupid, sluggish, and unthrifty, and finally becomes 
very weak. Faulty and weak heart action is also 
a prominent symptom. 

Lesions. — The structural changes in the kidneys 
vary. They may be of the normal size, or much 
larger than normal. They may also appear pale, or 
deep red in color. Sometimes, they are marked with 
red spots, and the kidney capsule can be detached with 
great ease. On sectioning a kidney, a thick urine 
may be found in the pelvis and some fluid under the 
capsule. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS 



33 



In chronic cases of long standing the connective 
tissue may become greatly increased, and the kidney 
shrunken and small. 

Tubercular lesions are sometimes found. 

Very large cystic kidneys containing cavities filled 
with pus or urine are occasionally found. 

Treatment. — The preventive measures consist in 
avoiding, if possible, such conditions as may cause 
the disease. 




FIG. 4 — A DISEASED KIDNEY SHOWING RED OR PETECHIAL SPOTS 

The medicinal treatment consists in the use of hot 
applications to the back, just over the region of the 
kidneys, and the administration of small doses of 
castor oil daily. This is necessary in order to 
eliminate all of the waste products possible by way of 
the intestinal tract, and relieve, as much as possible, 
the work of the kidneys. It may be necessary in 
some cases to give heart tonics. 



34 DISEASES OF SWINE 

The best results come from a diet of sloppy, muci- 
laginous food, good care, and careful nursing. Dur- 
ing convalesence bitter and saline tonics should be 
given, the same as recommended in indigestion. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER— CYSTITIS 

Causes. — A common cause of inflammation of the 
bladder is the retention of the urine and its becoming 
infected with germs. Under such conditions the 
urine undergoes fermentive changes, ammonia is set 
free, and the lining membrane of the bladder becomes 
irritated and inflamed. Irritation from stone in the 
bladder (cystic calculus) may also cause it. Some- 
times it occurs as a result of a severe inflammation in 
a neighboring part and its extending to the bladder. 
Drenching the animal with irritating drugs, such as 
turpentine, may irritate the bladder, as well as other 
parts of the urinary organs. 

Symptoms. — The most prominent symptom is the 
passing of urine at frequent intervals and in small 
quantities. Because of the irritated condition of the 
nerves going to the part the penis may become 
erected in the boar. When the animal moves about, 
the soreness is shown by the stiff, straddling gait. 
The appetite may be poor, and the body temperature 
higher than normal. In severe cases the urine may 
contain clots of blood. 

Unless the disease is neglected in the early stages 
and the inflammation is severe, recovery occurs in a 
few days. 




FIG. 5 — A LARGE DISEASED KIDNEY 



36 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Treatment. — If the cause of the disease is known, 
it should be removed. Drugs that irritate the urinary 
organs should not be used carelessly. Retention of 
the urine should receive prompt attention and, if 
possible, relieved. 

The medical treatment consists in drenching the 
animal with such drugs as have an antiseptic effect 
on the urine or prevent germs from developing in it. 
Chlorate of potassium can be given in from fifteen to 
thirty gram doses, or salol in from ten to fifteen 
grain doses, twice daily. A sloppy diet is indicated. 
Care should be taken that the hog does not suffer 
from exposure or become chilled when in this condi- 
tion. In cases of long standing, bitter tonics should 
be given. 

RETENTION OF THE URINE 

Causes. — Retention of the urine may be due to a 
variety of conditions, such as a spasm of the neck 
of the bladder, paralysis, urethral and cystic calculi, 
(stones in the canal leading from the bladder and in 
this organ), injuries and inflammation of the urethra, 
inflammation and abscesses in the region of the 
sheath, and pressure on the urethra by tumors, etc. 

Symptoms. — There may be an absolute retention 
of the urine, or it may come away from the over- 
distended bladder drop by drop. The animal makes 
unsuccessful efforts to urinate, and shows symptoms 
of abdominal pain. The hog is depressed and the 
appetite impaired. In case the cause of the retention 
cannot be rem.oved and completely obstructs the pas- 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS 37 

sage of the urine, the symptoms soon assume a se- 
rious character, the bladder finally becoming so dis- 
tended with urine that it is ruptured. Death occurs 
from peritonitis or uremic poisoning. 

Treatment. — In spasm of the neck of the bladde 
the hog should be given a quiet, comfortable pen. If 
the urine is not passed in a short time, to give fur- 
ther relief a sedative (tincture of opium one tea- 
spoonful, or bromide of potassium half a teaspoonful) 
should be given. A warm water rectal injection in 
itself may prove sufficient to relieve the spasm. 

Inflammation and abscesses in the region of the 
sheath should receive the proper surgical treatment 
(see Treatment of Inflammation of the Prepuce). 
Pressure on the urethra by a tumor can be relieved 
in some cases by an operation for its removal. 



DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN 



INFLAMMATION OF THE SPLEEN— SPLENITIS 

Inflammation of the spleen is frequently men- 
tioned in old works on veterinary medicine, and an 
elaborate line of symptoms is given in connection 
with the disease. 

Most of the observations on this disease have 
been made on post-mortem examinations of ani- 
mals. It is not uncommon to find the spleen in- 
flamed in infectious diseases. Outside of its occur- 
rence in this class of disease it is of little impor- 
tance. 

STRUCTURAL DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN 

Hypertrophy, atrophy, and rupture of the spleen 
in hogs is recognized only on making a post-mor- 
tem examination. The latter condition may arise 
from an injury. Splenic hypertrophy is frequently 
associated with high feeding and infectious diseases. 
Tumors of the spleen may also cause it to become 
larger than normal. These different structural 
changes may occur as a result of an inflammation 
extending from a neighboring part. 



38 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT 

COLD IN THE HEAD— NASAL CATARRH 

Causes. — Exposure to cold, especially if the ani- 
mal is in an overheated condition or the body wet 
with snow and rain, is the most common cause of 
a simple cold. Hogs kept in crowded pens, or al- 
lowed to sleep around straw stacks and manure 
heaps, are very apt to suffer as a result of becom- 
ing overheated and chilled, or from irritation to the 
air passages by the noxious gases and dust formed 
under such conditions. This is especially true dur- 
ing the cold weather, when a large number of hogs 
are allowed to sleep in the same quarters. 

Symptoms. — The hog acts dull and feverish, and 
the eyes appear red and watery. During the first 
or dry stage of the inflammation, which lasts for a 
short time, the animal sneezes frequently. This 
may be followed by a thin, watery discharge from 
both nostrils. Later the discharge may become 
heavier and pus-like, and white or yellowish in 
color. If this continues for some time, the mucous 
membrane lining the nose is thickened and changed 
in appearance, and may become ulcerated. 

Severe outbreaks of nasal catarrh are known as 
malignant catarrh. The disease does not run a well- 
defined course, and the inflammation may extend 

39 



40 DISEASES OF SWINE 

to other parts of the air passages — throat, bronchial 
tubes, etc. 

Treatment. — The preventive treatment is very 
important, and consists in avoiding the overcrowd- 
ing of pens, especially during the cold weather, ex- 
posure, and allowing the pens to become dusty and 
dirty. Hogs should not be allowed to sleep around 
straw stacks and manure heaps. 

In the simple form of the disease medicinal treat- 
ment is usually unnecessary. The hog should be 
given dry, comfortable quarters, and fed warm 
slops for a few days. It is usually best to give the 
animal a physic of castor-oil. In addition to this 
treatment, in severe cases the animal should be 
steamed. A vessel containing a one-half per cent, 
solution of turpentine, or some of the tar disin- 
fectants, in boiling hot water can be held under the 
hog's snout, and the animal allowed to inhale the 
steam for about fifteen minutes, twice daily. It is 
also well to disinfect the pens and sleeping-quarters. 

SORE THROAT— PHARYNGO-LARYNGITIS 

The causes and symptoms of inflammation of the 
pharynx and larynx in the hog are very much the 
same. This is also true of tonsilitis, and, usually, 
all of these parts are inflamed at the same time and 
can be discussed conveniently under the head of 
sore throat. 

Causes. — Sore throat frequently occurs as a com- 
plication of a cold in the head. In adition to the 
causes mentioned in connection with this latter 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT 4I 

disease can be given wallowing in cold springs and 
creeks when the body is in an overheated condition, 
being deprived of water and slop during a warm, 
dry spell, close, filthy pens, debility, septic germs 
entering the mouth and throat along with the food, 
and the germs of hog cholera and swine plague. 
Filthy pens often contribute to the infection of the 
throat with septic germs, and the formation of ab- 
cesses and ulcers on the lining membrane. 

Symptoms. — There is more or less fever, the eyes 
are red and watery, and the animal is dull and lies 
around the pen most of the time. The appetite is 
poor, and because of the pain and difficulty in 
swallowing, the hog may refuse food. The pain in 
the troat is sometimes severe, and causes the ani- 
mal to move about in a restless manner. 

The character of the cough depends on the parts 
inflamed. When the larynx is involved, the cough 
is usually hoarse and the breathing noisy and la- 
bored, as the glottis is more or less closed by the 
inflammation. At other times it is dry, and when 
the hog moves about, or the parts are irritated by 
dust, cold air, etc., a coughing spell usually comes 
on. The throat may appear swollen. 

In germ infection from the feed and filth, and in 
infectuous diseases (swine plague, hog cholera, etc.), 
false membranes may form, or the mucous mem- 
brane lining the part becomes gangrenous and ul- 
cerated. In such cases the disease usually devel- 
ops rapidly, and the air passages become closed 
within a few hours by the swelling and membranes. 



42 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Sometimes, it is the local ulceration and the general 
diseased condition that causes death. 

Simple sore throat is not a serious affection, and 
lasts but a short time. The symptoms may be so 
mild as to escape observation. However, if the 
conditions are favorable, it may recur and assume 
a severe form or become chronic. 

Treatment. — The preventive measures for sore 
throat are the same as recommended for cold in the 
head. It is very important, when the disease is 
caused by germ infection, to clean and disinfect the 
hog houses and pens. The sick animals should be 
separated from the well, in order to prevent the 
disease from spreading. The character of the food 
supply should also be considered, and, if faulty, 
corrected. 

It is best to feed the sick animals a sloppy diet 
in order to avoid irritating the throat, and it should 
be fed warm during the cold weather. Mild lini- 
ments can be rubbed on the throat daily. After 
the acute part of the inflammation has passed, blis- 
ters may be used instead. Powdered cantharides 
(one part), and vaseline (eight parts) make a very 
effective blistering ointment, especially in such 
cases as show a tendency to become chronic. 

The internal treatment consists in swabbing the 
throat with an antiseptic wash, and giving the 
animal an electuria to help relieve the irritated 
membranes. An electuary made of syrup (three 
ounces) and tincture of aconite (two drams) can 
be given in teaspoonful or tablespoonful doses three 
times a day. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT 43 

Before swabbing out the throat it is necessary 
to confine the hog by placing a noose around the 
upper jaw. The handle of the swab should be of 
wire, so that the animal cannot bite it in two. A 
wash of silver nitrate (one part), and water (one 
hundred parts), or permanginate of potassium (two 
parts), and water (one hundred parts) can be used. 

When the throat becomes . ulcerated and gan- 
grenous, treatment is of little use. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRONCHIAL TUBES- 
BRONCHITIS 

Inflammation of the lining membrane of the 
bronchial tubes may be either acute or chronic. 
The chronic form is the more common. There ar^ 
other forms of the disease, as croupous, capillary, 
etc., that are classed according to the character of 
the inflammatory lesions, but it is more convenient 
to discuss bronchitis under the head of acute or 
chronic. 

Causes. — Pigs are more subject to this disease 
than older animals. The most common cause is 
irritation from dust and lung worms. The irrita- 
tion caused by inhaling dust may be due to other 
than mechanical causes, as disease producing germs 
capable of causing an inflammation of a serious 
nature may be carried into the air passages along 
v^rith the dust. 

Allowing hogs to sleep around old straw stacks, 
manure heaps, and in overcrowded filthy pens, or 
poorly ventilated sleeping-quarters, can be especial- 



44 DISEASES OF SWINE 

ly mentioned as causes of this disease. Under 
these conditions the air which the animals breathe 
becomes charged with the irritating gases from the 
bodies of the hogs and the surrounding filth, as well 
as from the air given off from the lungs. Fumes 
from irritating drugs may also cause it, and it may 
develop as the result of a severe cold. 

Symptoms. — In the acute form the first symptom 
noticed is a feverish condition and a loss of appe- 
tite. The hog is depressed, the respirations are 
quickened, and the irritated condition of the lining 
membrane of the air passages causes the hog to 
cough. Little or no discharge from the nostrils 
occurs, unless the bronchitis develops from a severe 
cold. These acute symptoms do not last more than 
a day or two, and, outside of a cough, the animal 
appears well. Pigs are especially prone to coughing 
spells, during which mucus is coughed up and 
drops from the mouth. These attacks usually occur 
on leaving the bed and on exercising, and when 
the air passages are irritated by dust. 

Acute bronchitis does not run a definite course,, 
and if the exciting causes are kept up, may ter- 
minate in the chronic form or an inflammation of 
the lungs. In the chronic form unthriftiness and a 
cough are the most prominent symptoms. Pigs 
seldom die of this affection. 

Treatment. — The treatment is largely preventive, 
and consists in avoiding such conditions as may 
lead to an irritation and inflammation of the air 
passages. The hog should be given clean, com- 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT 45 

The respiratory sounds become more or less 
changed from the normal. The cough is at first 
deep and dry, later more loose and moist. It may 
be accompanied by a hemorrhage during the first 
stage of the disease. Other respiratory sounds are 
revealed by placing the ear to the side of the chest 
wall and listening to the sounds in the lungs (aus- 
cultation). This cannot be practiced in fat or rest- 
less hogs with satisfaction, as the chest walls are 
so thick that the lung sounds are deadened, or the 
noise made by the animal hides the respiratory 

murmurs. 

In the very early stages of pneumonia a crepi- 
tating or crackUng sound can be heard in the dis- 
eased parts and louder sounds than normal in the 
healthy areas. Later, when the engorgment of the 
lung tissue occurs and the air cells become filled by 
the inflamamtory exudates, the respiratory sounds 
are deadened. On returning to the normal, rattling 
sounds occur. These symptoms help greatly in 
determining the animal's condition and in watching 
the progress of the disease. 

The chances for recovery depend on the extent 
and acuteness of the inflammation. Careless hand- 
ling, exercise, etc., lessen the chance for a favorable 
termination in this disease, and good nursing helps 
more in bringing about a recovery than the medic- 
inal treatment. The prognosis is more unfavor- 
able in fat than in lean hogs, as the inflammation is 
usually more severe in the former. The course of 
the disease is from one to three weeks, and it may 



46 DISEASES OF SWINE 

of the lungs. This may occur when they are chased 
by dogs and boys, or when driven to a distant 
market at too rapid a pace. Exercise during the 
hot summer months is apt to cause congestion of 
the lung tissue as well as heat-stroke. Washing 
or diping hogs during the cold weather may chill 
the body and result in disease. 

Symptoms. — Pneumonia following as a result of 
a bad cold is preceded by the symptoms of the 
primary disease. If due to severe exercise, the 
animal appears greatly exhausted and the conges- 
tion of the lungs is marked. Death may occur in 
this stage of the disease. 

Inflammation of the lungs u'sually begins with a 
chill, and is followed by a high fever. The hog lies 
down most of the time, hiding under the litter, and 
may eat nothing or but very little. The respira- 
tions are hurried at first, but when the lungs be- 
come badly involved they are also labored. The 
character of the pulse-beats vary, depending on the 
extent of the inflammation and the stage of the 
disease. In most cases it is full and quick during 
the early stages, but later, as the condition of the 
animal improves, more nearly normal. A very 
weak pulse is present in severe and fatal pneu- 
monias. 

The visible mucous membranes have a red, con- 
gested appearance, and there may be a slight dis- 
charge from the nostrils. The expression of the 
face is anxious and distressed in severe cases, and 
rigors and chilling of the body occur. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIEIATORY TRACT 47 

fortable quarters and a light ration. During the 
early stages of the disease, steaming the animal two 
or three times a day may give relief. This part of 
the treatment is the same as' recommended in a 
catarrhal cold. 

In chronic bronchitis good care and nourishing 
feed will enable the animal to outgrow the disease. 
Such complications as sore throat and pneumonia 
should receive the necessary treatment. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS— PNEUMONIA 

Acute congestion and inflammation of the spongy 
tissue of the lungs is met with in hogs, the same as 
in other farm animals. Inflammation of a part or 
a few lobules of the lungs is frequently met with 
when lung worms are present. 

Causes. — Fat, plethoric hogs, because of their 
condition, are especially predisposed to pneumonia. 
The exciting causes are very much the same as in 
the different diseases of the air passages, and it is 
not uncommon for the inflammation to extend from 
these parts to the lungs. However, there are a 
number of causes in adition to those already men- 
tioned. It frequently occurs wdien hogs accus- 
tomed to Avarm, comfortable quarters are changed 
to cold, draughty pens, or shipped some distance 
in open stock cars during the cold weather. In 
fact, any sudden chilling of the body is a common 
cause of lung disorders. Giving fat hogs too much 
exercise, when they are not accustomed to it, is a 
frequent cause of engorgement and inflammation 



48 DISEASES OF SWINE 

become chronic if the irritation is kept up. In such 
cases unthriftiness is a prominent symptom. 

The above symptoms are not seen in all cases 
of pneumonia. In bronchial and lung worm dis- 
eases, a small part of the lung tissue may be in- 
volved, and the symptoms resemble these diseases 
more than they do pneumonia. 

Lesions. — The character of the lesions differ in 
the different cases. If death occurs within a few 
days after coming down with the disease, a large 
part of the lungs may appear solid and liver-like 
in color and consistency (hepatization). Later a 
part becomes lighter in color (gray hepatization). 
This marks the beginning of the degenerative 
changes of the inflammatory exudates and the re- 
turn to the normal. On cutting into the tissue that 
has reached this stage, a purulent or fatty-looking 
fluid may exude from the cut surface. A part may 
have reached a later stage, that of resolution, and 
the absorption of the inflammatory exudates begun. 
Suppurative changes in the lung tissue may also 
occur. 

In lobular pneumonia the lesions vary more than 
in the form just described. The bronchial tubes 
may be plugged with mucus and inflammatory ex- 
udates, and the lining membrane inflamed. Small 
areas of lung tissue undergoing different stages of in- 
flammation are seen scattered through the lung, 
with here and there dark colored, depressed por- 
tions in which the air cells have collapsed (atelec- 
tasis). Some lobules may appear bulging and 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT 49 

lighter in color than normal (emphysema). Sup- 
purative centers may also be observed. 

Treatment. — The preventive treatment in pneu- 
monia must not be overlooked. Briefly, it consists 
in avoiding such conditions as may predispose the 
animal to the disease, or act in any way as an ex- 
citing cause. 

Careful nursing is a very important part of the 
treatment. The hog should be given a comfort- 
able, well-ventilated pen, and kept as quiet as 
possible. To keep the bowels from becoming con- 
stipated, one or two ounces of castor-oil should be 
given daily, if necessary, and a light, sloppy diet 
fed. In severe cold weather, the animal must be 
kept from chilling and taking more cold by cover- 
ing it with a blanket or using artificial heat. As 
one attack predisposes the hog to a second, it 
should be protected from severe cold, or the other ex- 
treme, heat, for a few weeks after making a com- 
plete recovery. 

As a counter-irritant to the sides of the chest the 
following liniment can be used : oil of turpentine 
(ten parts) and croton-oil (one part). If the heart 
action is weak, from five to ten drops of tincture 
of digitalis should be given every few hours. Dur- 
ing the convalescent period alcoholic stimulants 
can be used if necessary. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PLEURA— PLEURISY 

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the serous mem- 
brane lining the chest cavity and covering the 



50 DISEASES OF SWINE 

lungs. j\Iany of the causes of pleurisy are the same 
as in pneumonia. Because of this and the intimate 
relation of the pleura to the lung tissue, both of 
these diseases frequently occur at the same time. 
Pleurisy may be either acute or chronic. 

Causes. — The most common cause is a sudden 
chilling of the body. Cold, damp, chilly weather 
and damp, chilly, draughty pens are favorable con- 
ditions for chilling of the body to occur and the 
rheumatic form of pleurisy. Germs may also cause 
it. It is commonly met with in such specific dis- 
eases as hog cholera, swine plague, and tubercu- 
losis. 

Symptoms. — Chilling and a high fever are among 
the first symptoms of pleurisy. The hog refuses 
to eat and acts dull. Pain is a prominent symptom, 
and when the sides of the chest are pressed on with 
the hands, the hog will fiinch — sometimes grunt and 
squeal. This is very noticeable during the early 
stage of the inflammation, and may cause the ani- 
mal to act restless. The breathing is always char- 
acteristic. The ribs are held rigid, and the respira- 
tory movement is mostly in the muscles of the 
flank, the hog getting its breath in a short, jerky 
manner. Later, when fluid collects in the chest 
cavity, the breathing is more labored, and all of 
the respiratory muscles are used. On the absorp- 
tion of this exudate the movement may again be- 
come jerky in case the inflammation becomes 
chronic. The character of the pulse-beats vary, and 
in some cases are very weak. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT 5 1 

In the early part of the disease friction sounds, 
caused by the dry, inflamed membranes rubbing 
against each other, are heard on placing the ear 
against the chest walls. Later the collection of 
fluid around the lungs may deaden all lung sounds 
toward the lower part of the chest. In this stage 
of the inflammation, if the fluid forms in large 
amounts, the respirations become very labored. 

The symptoms are mild if the pleurisy is local- 
ized—that is, only a part of the membrane inflamed. 
A lameness in both front limbs and stiffness in 
moving about are the most noticeable symptoms in 
this form of the disease. 

In chronic pleurisy the hog is usually very weak 
and depressed. It is frequently seen lying on its 
side, and unable to get up and walk about. The 
inflammation may extend to the heart and its cov- 
erings, and the symptoms of these diseases are 
manifested. 

The course of acute pleurisy is one or two weeks. 
The chronic form may run a course of several 
weeks. The prognosis is very unfavorable. 

Lesions.— The serous membrane is thickened 
and inflamed. Its surface is roughened and cov- 
ered with membranous growths and fibrous bands 
that attach the lungs to the chest walls. The lat- 
ter condition is a constant lesion in old, chronic 
inflammations. In the exudative form of the dis- 
ease (hydrothorax) more or less fluid is present m 
the chest cavity. This may be yellowish or reddish 
in color and hold in suspension fibrous flakes or 



52 DISEASES OF SWINE 

clots, which may remain for some time after the 
fluid is absorbed. In case the fluid becomes in- 
fected with pus germs it loses the appearance of 
a serous fluid, becoming heavier and pus-like. 

Treatment. — Preventive treatment is about the 
same and of like importance as in other respiratory 
diseases. 

Good care at the beginning of an attack of pleurisy 
tends to prevent its becoming serious by checking 
the inflammatory changes. The hog should be 
given a warm, clean place, and made as comfortable 
as possible. In warm quarters, and when the ani- 
mal is quiet, warm packs can be applied to the 
sides of the chest and the body covered with a 
blanket. 

The medicinal treatment does not differ greatly 
from that recommended in pneumonia. It is best 
to give the hog a physic early in the attack and 
feed a sloppy diet in order to keep the bowels lax. 
It is advisable to give the animal a teaspoonful of 
syrup of squills and five drops of tincture of aconite 
every few hours for the purpose of relieving the 
inflammation and pain, which is usually very 
marked in the early stages. The same blistering 
liniment, as prescribed for pneumonia, can be ap- 
plied to the chest walls. The following febrifuge 
can be given every few hours : sulphate of quinine 
(fifteen grains) and nitrate of potassium (ten grains). 
As soon as the fever leaves the patient, this part 
of the treatment should be discontinued. The use 
of tonics and nourishing feeds make up the neces- 
sary treatment during convalescence. 



DISEASES OF THE HEART 



HEART DISEASES IN GENERAL 

Diseases of the heart are not uncommon in hogs. 
Inflammation of the Hning membrane (endocarditis), 
and the covering of the heart (pericarditis), and the 
heart itself (myocarditis) are sometimes met with in 
such diseases as pleurisy, rheumatism, hog cholera, 
and swine plague. 

Symptoms. — These are usually overshadowed by 
the original ailment. Palpitation of the heart may 
occur. The pulse is usually small, quick, and ir- 
regular, the body temperature much higher than 
normal, and the hog depressed and restless because 
of the severe pain and the serious character of the 
disease. This line of ailments usually ends in death. 

Treatment. — The treatment of acute heart-dis- 
eases is very unsatisfactory. About all that can be 
done is to keep the animal quiet and relieve the 
pain. Ten to twenty drops of tincture of opium 
can be given every few hours. To regulate the 
heart-beats, twenty to thirty drops of tincture of 
digitalis should be given at frequent intervals. 
Blisters and blistering liniment may be applied 
to the walls of the chest just over the region of the 
heart. This latter treatment is usually followed by 
good results. 

53 



54 DISEASES OF SWINE 

When acute heart-diseases occur as a complica- 
tion of some other disease, the treatment should be 
directed at the primary ailment and the above used 
in addition to it. 

FATTY DEGENERATION OF THE HEART 

Causes. — Fatty degeneration of the heart is 
brought on by overfeeding and lack of exercise. Fat 
accumulates in masses around the heart and in the 
muscular tissue, replacing to some extent the latter, 
and the ability of this organ to do the required work 
is either hindered or destroyed. 

Symptoms. — The animal is generally very fat afid 
unfit for any kind of exercise, and may die suddenly 
if this is attempted. About the only symptoms 
noticeable are difficult breathing and irregular, weak 
heart action. Palpitation may also occur. 

Treatment. — The treatment is wholly preventive, 
and consists in avoiding such conditions as may 
cause the disease. To sustain the heart action, 
heart tonics and stimulants, such as nitroglycerin, 
digatalin, and digitalis can be used. The fatty con- 
dition of the body should be reduced by dieting the 
animal. 

SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAM—THUMPS— PALPI- 
TATION 

True palpitation is a convulsive, violent beating of 
the heart, often not connected with any structural dis- 
ease of the organ. It sets in suddenly, the heart sounds 
are louder than normal, and the shock of the beats 



DISEASES OF THE HEART 55 

quite noticeable. The pulse-beats are quickened and 
somewhat irregular, and the animal may appear rest- 
less and anxious. Excitement and exercise some- 
times cause this condition, or it may occur in con- 
nection with some digestive disorder and a spasm of 
the diaphragm. It may also occur in acute heart 
disorders. 

Spasm of the diaphram is quite common in pigs. 
It is due to an irritated condition of the nerves (phren- 
ic) going to the diaphragm. Digestive disorders, 
especially overloading of the stomach, and lack of 
exercise are the main causes. It is not uncommon 
for a large number of pigs in the same litter or in 
the same pen, when too closely confined, to have 
thumps. 

Symptoms. — The most prominent symptom oc- 
curring in thumps is a sudden jerking movement of 
the flank. This is very noticeable when the pig is 
standing quiet, and may be of such force as to 
move the body backward and forward. The shock 
of the contraction of the diaphram is accompanied 
by a sound in some cases. The spasmodic contrac- 
tions do not occur regularly, but irregularly, and 
are much more frequent at times when the stomach 
is full than when it is empty. 

The digestive diseases, as well as the thumps, in- 
terfere with the growth and thriftiness, and the 
pig becomes more or less stunted. Sometimes they 
lose flesh quite rapidly and become quite thin. 

The course of the disease is from a few days to 
several weeks. 



56 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Treatment. — The preventive treatment of thumps 
in young pigs is good care and plenty of exercise. 
Exercise alone will generally effect a cure. 

When the disease develops in a litter of pigs, 'they 
should be turned on pasture and given plenty of 
opportunity to run about. If this cannot be done, 
they should be exercised in some other way, as 
placing them in a pen or box away from the mother. 
To relieve the spasms, tincture of opium can be 
given in from three to fifteen drop doses three times 
a day. A small dose of castor-oil should also be 
given in order to prevent constipation. The indiges- 
tion should be treated by regulating the diet and 
giving a course of bitter tonics, if necessary. 



DISESASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 

CONGESTION AND INFLAMMATION OF THE 

BRAIN 

In congestion and inflammation of the brain in 
hogs, both the brain and its coverings are involved 
in most cases, and for this reason it is unnecessary 
to attempt any division or classification of these 
diseases in a work of this kind. 

Causes. — Fat, plethoric hogs are predisposed to 
this class of disease. The exciting causes are sun- 
stroke, severe exercise, tumors and parasites press- 
ing on the nerve tissue, blows on the head, and dia- 
tetic causes. Certain feeds containing poisonous 
substances, when eaten in large quantities, may 
lead to brain disorders. Eating feeds containing 
molds and bacterial ferments, or poisons, some- 
times cause it. The feeding of large quantities of 
food rich in albumenoids is especially harmful. 

Another cause is unhealthy surroundings, such 
as poorly ventilated, filthy quarters. Inflammation 
of the brain may also occur in some infectious diseases. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms usually come on sud- 
denly. The hog may show symptoms of excitement, 
irritability, sensitiveness, drowsiness, etc., depending 
on the general condition of the animal and the di- 
rect cause of the disturbance. The disease may be 

57 



58 DISEASES OF SWINE 

ushered in by a period of dulness, but in most cases 
the hog appears excited from the first. During the 
period of excitement or deHrium it champs its 
teeth, froths at the mouth, walks or runs about the 
pen, generally in a circle and without showing much 
ability to dodge objects coming its way. It squeals 
and grunts, tries to climb up the sides of the pen, 
presses its head against the wall or fence, and finally 
falls over in a convulsion. In a short time it may regain 
its feet, or continue lying on the ground in a stupor, 
which finally ends in death. In heat-stroke sudden 
collapse, staggering gait, convulsions, and uncon- 
sciousness are the usual symptoms. 

In moderate congestion of the brain, the duration 
of the disease is short and a complete recovery may 
occur. When the congestion is severe, it usually 
terminates in an inflammation of the brain, sometimes 
death. The outcome of the latter disease is un- 
favorable, and in most cases runs a short course. 

Lesions. — The coverings of the brain are con- 
gested and inflamed, appearing thickened and red- 
dened. If the inflammation is caused by a blow on 
the head, the skin and other tissues in the region 
of the injury show the effect of the blow, and the 
coverings are especially apt to show marked local 
lesions. 

A portion of the gray matter of the brain, depend- 
ing on the extent of the inflammation, is darker 
colored than normal and stained with blood. Small 
red areas may be seen scattered through the nerve 
tissue, and the whole structure is more or less soft- 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 59 

ened. Bloody or straw colored liquid may collect 
in the cavities of the brain and between its mem- 
branes. Infection of this fluid with pus germs is a 
condition sometimes met with. 

Treatment. — Preventive treatment consists in 
avoiding, as far as possible, such conditions as may 
cause the disease. 

The success of the treatment depends largely 
on being prompt in the use of such curative 
measures as are available. It is very necessary that 
the hog be given a quiet, cool place, where it can- 
not be disturbed by other animals. Bleeding will 
greatly relieve the congestion or inflammation, if 
practiced in the early part of the attack. Cold ap- 
plications to the head are of some value in re- 
lieving the blood pressure in the part. It is ad- 
visable to give a large dose of Epsom salts and 
follow this up with small doses of castor-oil daily. 
When the animal becomes paralyzed, iodide of 
potassium (twenty grains) and tincture of nux 
vomica (fifteen drops) should be given in a small 
amount of water three times a day. 

BLIND STAGGERS—VERTIGO 

Blind staggers is usually associated with diseases 
of the brain, such as anemia, congestion, tumors, and 
parasites (cysticerci), especially the latter. It may 
occur as a symptom of chronic indigestion, as a re- 
sult of reflex irritation to the brain. 

Symptoms. — These are attacks of blindness, jerk- 
ing upward of the head, turning in a circle, or ro- 



6o DISEASES OF SWINE 

tating on the long axis of the body, running straight 
ahead and falhng on the side, or rolHng over and 
over. When caused by the cysticercus, the hog 
turns to the side on which the parasite Hes, and the 
attacks are apt to occur at any time. 

Treatment. — As vertigo is practically a symptom 
of disease, the treatment used is the same as given 
in the discussion of such diseases as it may be 
associated with. A sloppy diet should be fed. In 
cases where the attacks occur at intervals, it is best 
to destroy the animal and not attempt treatment. 
Hogs affected in this way become very unthrifty. 

EPILEPSY— FITS 

This disease is characterized by sudden loss of 
consciousness, convulsive movements, etc. In the 
intervals between the attacks the hog may appear in 
good health. 

Causes. — Epilepsy is due to lesions in the spinal 
cord and brain. These may result from injury to 
the above organs. In some cases it is no doubt a 
hereditary disease ^nd transmitted from the parent 
to the offspring. Inbreeding is cited as a cause by 
some writers. Intestinal worms are probably the 
most common cause of spasms in young pigs, the 
irritation to the intestines acting reflexly on the brain. 
It may occur at the time the animal is cutting its 
teeth. 

Symptoms. — The pig may be restless just before 
the attack comes on. The convulsive movements 
generally begin in the muscles of the head and ex- 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 6l 

tremities. A jerking' of the muscles of the face, 
champing of the jaws, and an unsteady gait are 
noticed at first. Suddenly the pig falls, consciousness 
is lost, the limbs are extended, and the seat of con- 
vulsive movements, the^head is thrown back, saliva 
runs from the mouth, and urine is passed. Be- 
cause of the muscles of respiration being involved, 
the animal has great difficulty in breathing. 

In mild cases the spasms are feeble, and may 
cease in a short time. The attack usually lasts but a 
few minutes. The pig may act dull and sick for 
several days, and there is some danger of it dying 
during an attack. In true epilepsy the spasms occur 
periodically, and the pig usually becomes unthrifty 
and stunted. 

Treatment. — The attack may be stopped by throw- 
ing cold water on the animal's head, or, better, by 
immersing its body in warm water. The latter can 
be easily practiced in pigs. A cathartic of castor-oil 
should be given, and the pig kept as quiet as pos- 
sible. Until the stupor has completely passed, it is 
advisable to give from half a dram to a dram of 
bromide of potassium in the feed, or drench twice a 
day. 

SUNSTROKE OR HEAT STROKE 

Hogs, especially fat hogs, when driven or exer- 
cised on a very hot day, and when hauled or 
shipped to market during the warm weather, are 
very apt to become affected with the heat. This is 
due to their condition, the crowded quarters, and the 
lack of protection from the sun. When hogs are 



62 DISEASES OF SWINE 

kept in close quarters, the accumulation of heat is 
especially marked on a hot day. They may also 
suffer severely from the sun when kept in pastures 
and yards unprovided with shade. 

Symptoms. — The principal symptoms are fatigue, 
drooping of the ears, staggering gait, sudden col- 
lapse, unconsciousness, and death. Convulsions may 
occur, and death generally follows in a short time. 
In all cases the pulse is very weak, and the body 
temperature is much higher than normal. 

Treatment. — The preventive treatment consists in 
not handling hogs unaccustomed to exercise and 
excitement, especially when fat, in summer-time 
during the hottest part of the day. During the hot 
months hogs should be provided with the necessary 
protection from the sun's rays. 

When shipping hogs in cars, wetting them fre- 
quently with water helps to keep them cool and 
prevent heat stroke. 

A hog suffering from sun or heat stroke should 
be moved to a shady place, and cold water poured 
on the head and neck, but not on the rest of the 
body. As a stimulent, alcohol (one teaspoonful) 
and tincture of nux vomica (from half to one tea- 
spoonful) can be given every three or four hours. 

PARALYSIS OF THE POSTERIOR PART OF THE 

BODY 

Causes. — Paralysis of the hind parts is frequently 
met with in growing hogs. It is due to a variety of 
conditions. Dr. Alexander states that it occurs In 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 63 

rhachitis, when the thip^h-bones become fractured, 
and is caused by feedin^^: a ration deficient in mineral 
matter. It is frequently caused by small centers of 
inflammation in the spinal cord resulting from disease 
or an injury to the back, pressure on the cord from 
tumors, or an over-fat condition, and the encysting of 
parasites in this part of the nervous system. It is 
not uncommon for hogs that have been shipped in 
cars and crates to be affected in this way. Loss of 
control over the movement of the hind parts and 
other nervous disturbances sometimes occur in sows 
that are nursing a litter of pigs and are run down in 
condition. Injuries caused by the hogs piling on one 
another, indigestion, and constipation are said to 
cause this disease. 

Symptoms. — The paralysis may come on grad- 
ually, and nearly always involves both hind limbs. In 
case the disease develops slowly, the first symptoms 
noticed is an unsteady gait, the hind legs not follow- 
ing in an exact line with the front ones, and, instead 
of walking directly forward, the hog appears to move 
sideways. Sometimes, the legs become crossed, and 
the animal may take this position when standing. 
After lying down" there is more or less difficulty in 
getting up. These symptoms become progressively 
worse until the hog simply drags the hind parts, and 
is unable to get up or support its weight on the hind 
feet. 

The appetite is usually good in the early stage and 
may remain so. Pressure over the back and loins 
does not cause the animal pain, but it may squeal 



64 DISEASES OF SWINE 

and seem to suffer severe pain when made to move 
or try to get on its feet. If recovery does not take 
place within a few days or a week, the appetite be- 
comes poor, the bowels constipated, and the hog 
grows worse rapidly, and within a few days makes 
but little effort to get up. Such cases usually prove 
fatal within a short time. 

Treatment. — This disease is one that can be large- 
ly prevented. Hogs should not be kept under condi- 
tions that predispose them to injury. Growing pigs 
should have plenty of room for exercise, and be fed 
a suitable ration in order to prevent a diseased con- 
dition of the bones. Fracture of the thigh-bones, as 
a result of a rhachitic condition, sometimes occurs, 
and is frequently mistaken for a paralysis, hence it 
is well to include the above preventive measures with 
the treatment of this disease. 

As soon as the hog is noticed ailing, it should be 
given a pen by itself, and fed a light, sloppy diet. To 
prevent constipation and keep the bowels loose a 
physic of castor-oil should be given. If necessary, 
this may be supplemented by an enema of glycerine 
and water. 

Counter-irritation along the back is indicated in 
this disease. Oil of turpentine (ten parts) and croton 
oil (one part) make a very useful blistering liniment. 
The firing-iron may also be used. Dr. Peters recom- 
mends the following method of firing the back : 
Fourteen or fifteen pieces of number sixteen wire, 
pointed at one end, are placed in a charcoal or corn 
cob fire and heated to a white heat. When hot as 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 65 

desired they are grasped with a pair of pincers and 
the pointed ends pkinged through the skin and into 
the fatty tissues. The skin should be punctured in 
places an inch or two apart. 

In the way of general treatment nerve tonics 
should be used. The most useful drug for this pur- 
pose is tincture of nux vomica. From five to fifteen 
drops should be given two or three times a day. The 
hog must not be forced to walk, as this is very apt 
to retard recovery. After becoming able to use its 
hind parts, it should be kept away from the other 
hogs for a short time. 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 



STERILITY— BARRENNESS 

Through some fault of the male or female, some- 
times both, conception does not follow as a result of 
copulation, and the female fails to breed. This con- 
dition may be due to a variety of causes, and is either 
temporary or permanent. Sterility is less common 
in hogs than in most farm animals. 

Causes. — The most common cause of impotency or 
sterility in the male is lack of, or too much functional 
exercise, too close confinement, old age, and the feed- 
ing of an unsuitable ration or one that tends to fat- 
ten the animal. Fatty degeneration of the testicles 
may occur under such a condition, or at least they 
become so infiltrated with fat as to interfere with 
their function. Overly fat boars may become so 
clumsy and lazy that they cannot, or will not serve 
the sow. It is not uncommon for impotency to be 
due to an injured penis and an improper development 
of the sexual organs, Sometimes during copulation 
the penis is broken, bitten off and injured in other 
ways. 

Sterility in the sow may result from a greater va- 
riety of conditions than in the boar. Excessive fat- 
tening, as is sometimes seen in sows fitted for exhi- 
bition purposes, is a frequent cause in this class of 

66 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 6/ 

animals. It may be due to the ovaries undergoing 
the same changes as do the testicles of the male 
under like conditions, or to the closure of the mater- 
nal passages by the accumulations of fat. In the for- 
mer case the changes in the ovaries may be so great 
that they cannot return to the normal, and the sterility 
is permanent. In the latter it is usually temporary, 
and the function of the organs can be restored by 
reducing the condition of the sow. 

Sometimes a rigidity and closure of the opening 
into the womb prevent the seminal fluid from enter- 
ing it. Such a condition may occur in a young or 
aged sow. Inflammation of the lining membrane of 
the womb and the passages leading to it may also 
cause barrenness. In this disease a discharge, some- 
times so slight as to escape notice, occurs, and the 
male element of the seminal fluid on coming m con- 
tact with it, is destroyed. In old age both sexes 
may fail to breed. 

Faulty development of the sexual organs may oc- 
cur in sows. The uterus may be abnormally small, 
the ovaries rudimentary or undeveloped, and the 
vagina and os not perforated. Hermaphrodites are 
sometimes met with in this species of animals. 

Treatment.— Excessive fat is so often a cause of 
sterility in both sexes that more attention should be 
given to preventive than to curative measures. Breed- 
ing animals should not be fed a ration high in fat- 
producing elements. Exercise is also an essential 
part of the care, and should not be overlooked. In 
other words, we cannot expect the parents to be 



68 DISEASES OF SWINE 

productive, and have strong, healthy offspring, unless 
they are in a healthy condition themselves. 

The male must not be used too freely, if young. 
The excessive use of the male at all times should be 
avoided. When he does not act as free as he should, 
a stimulating ration should be fed and more exercise 
allowed. Sterility in the female, caused by a closure 
of the opening into the womb, can be corrected by 
dilating -the part the same as in other animals. 
Closure of the maternal passages with fat can be 
overcome by feeding a more suitable ration and per- 
mitting the sow to take plenty of exercise. 

Sows having a discharge from the parts should not 
be bred. Local treatment with disinfectant and as- 
tringent solutions should be used until the leucor- 
rhoeal discharges stop. 

ABORTION 

Abortion is the expulsion of the young from the 
womb before it has become well enough developed to 
live outside of the mother. This accident may occur 
in the sow, but is not nearly so common as in rumi- 
nants. Two forms of abortion, sporadic and con- 
tagious, occur. The former variety is the more 
common. 

Sporadic abortion is generally due to external 
causes. Sows well advanced in pregnancy may be- 
come injured in some way and slip their pigs. It 
occurs when the sows are kept in crowded quarters, 
or when allowed to sleep in exposed places during 
the cold weather. Crawling through small open- 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 69 

ings in the pen, or crowding one another in going 
through gates, doors, etc., may also cause it. Other 
accidental injuries and conditions that sometimes 
cause abortion are kicks and blows in the region of 
the abdomen, becoming excited by other animals, such 
as dogs, sows in heat, etc., sudden falls, chilling, 
spoiled food, food containing ergot, digestive dis- 
orders, hog cholera, swine plague, and other diseases. 

Infectious abortion in sows is not very well under- 
stood. It is not a common disease, and although the 
specific cause has not been discovered, this form of 
abortion is no doubt due to a specific germ. The 
conditions for spreading the infection from one herd 
to another are not so favorable as in some classes of 
farm animals, hence the disease does not spread 
rapidly. 

Symptoms. — In abortion the parts are not pre- 
pared for giving birth to the young, and the act may 
be accompanied by marked nervous disturbances and 
pain. Birth may progress more slowly than when 
the conditions are normal. However, the symptoms 
depend largely on the period of pregnancy in which 
the accident occurs and its cause. When caused by 
an injury, the symptoms are more serious than when 
due to a specific cause (germs). In the latter period 
of pregnancy an accidental abortion is usually ac- 
companied by a serious train of symptoms. 

The sow acts uneasy, is sick, and refuses to eat. 
Abdominal pains may occur. The final symptoms are 
trembling of the muscles, or shivering, more or less 
straining, depression, and in some cases severe labor 



JO DISEASES OF SWINE 

pains, and a prolonged and difficult birth. Hem- 
orrhage may occur. If not too sick, the sow is seen 
making a bed, the same as in a normal birth. 

In the infectious form the symptoms are not 
usually marked. In the early period of pregnancy, 
the accident may cause so little disturbance as to 
escape observation for a time. Even in advanced 
pregnancy it causes but little disturbance. The parts 
are more or less prepared for the act, and as the 
young are small and not fully developed they are 
passed with ease. In most cases a chronic discharge 
from the vagina follows the abortion, and the sow 
remains sterile for several months. 

An easy abortion is not usually followed by serious 
symptoms. The sow may act dull and feverish for 
a few days, and then show no further symptoms. 
Certain complications are apt to occur, such as 
hemorrhage and inflammation of the womb, peri- 
tonitis, and leucorrhoea. However, the outcome is 
favorable, and the animal makes a good recovery if 
given proper attention and care. 

Treatment. — When the sow is pregnant, all pos- 
sible precaution should be taken against accidental 
injuries, as little can be done to arrest the abortion 
after the disturbance has begun. All that can be 
done is to keep the sow as quiet a^ possible and give 
her comfortable quarters. To quiet her, tincture of 
opium should be given in teaspoonful doses every 
few hours. In case of a difficult abortion all neces- 
sary aid should be given, and any compHcation that 
may follow should receive prompt attention. 



^ DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS J I 

It is always a wise measure to remove the sow 
from the herd, as the abortion may be infectious and 
spread rapidly. In this latter form prompt measures 
must be taken against the spread of the disease. This 
consists mainly in disinfecting the pens, burning the 
afterbirth and dead pigs, and keeping the sows that 
have aborted away from the herd. The leucorrhoea 
that may follow should be treated by injecting the 
womb and maternal passages with a one per cent, 
water solution of some of the tar disinfectants daily, 
and keeping up this treatment for as long a time as 
necessary. The sow must not be bred until the dis- 
charge from the parts has stopped. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE UTERUS AND VAGINA 

Causes. — Inflammation of the womb and the pas- 
sages leading to it frequently occurs as a complica- 
tion of a difficult birth, or as a result of the retention 
of dead fetuses and decomposition of the afterbirth. 
Herdsmen, when assisting in a difficult birth, may 
injure and infect the parts with germs, causing the 
lining membrane of the uterus and vagina to become 
irritated and inflamed. Dirty hands, cords, and in- 
struments are the usual sources of germ infection at 
the time of birth. 

Symptoms. — The disease usually occurs in connec- 
tion with a difficult birth and the retention of one or 
more dead pigs. The character of the symptoms 
depends on the extent of the inflammation. In se- 
rious cases the temperature is higher than normal. 



72 DISEASES OF SWINE 

the animal acts feverish and dull, the respirations and 
pulse-beats are quickened, the appetite lost, and the 
pain more or less severe. The sow remains in her 
bed most of the time. When she gets on her feet and 
moves about, the gait is unsteady and staggery. This 
results from weakness and the soreness in the hind 
parts. When the hand is introduced into the vagina 
the parts feel hot, and the visible part of the mucous 
membrane lining the vulva is red and inflamed. 
Within a few days a discharge from the vulva occurs, 
and if the afterbirth and one or more dead pigs are 
retained, the sow strains frequently and endeavors 
to expel them. Shivering also occurs. 

In the severe cases the disease usually terminates 
in death. The sow grows weak rapidly, and dies in a 
short time after coming down with the disease. 

In the mild form marked general disturbances, 
such as loss of appetite, fever, and severe pain, do 
not occur. Sometimes the inflammation takes on a 
chronic form and continues for several weeks. A 
disagreeable discharge containing portions of decom- 
posed pigs and membranes is passed, and the animal 
becomes very unthrifty, or the discharge may be so 
slight as to escape notice. Unless treated, it usually 
continues for weeks. Peritonitis is not an uncommon 
complication. 

Treatment. — Preventive measures are of the great- 
est importance in this disease. Dirty hands and in- 
struments must not be introduced into the genital 
canal. When giving the necessary aid in a difficult 
birth, the operator should avoid injuring the organs, 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 



7?> 



and take the necessary precautions against infecting 
them with irritating germs. 

The treatment should be used before the inflamma- 
tion has had an opportunity to spread to the neigh- 
boring parts. The sow should be given comfortable 
quarters and good care. To keep her strength up, we 
should coax her to eat, and give her stimulants and 




FIG. 6 — A PIG EXTRACTOR C'CINCh") 

tonics, if necessary. The local treatment consists in 
injecting the womb and vagina with some reliable tar 
disfectant solution. Some form of a fountain syringe 
should be used in giving the injection, and a one or 
two per cent, water solution of the disinfectant used. 
In bad cases the above treatment is repeated twice 
a day for as long a time as necessary. 

INVERSION AND PROLAPSUS OF THE VAGINA 
AND UTERUS 

This accident usually follows birth. Only a part 
of the genital canal, or womb, may be involved, and 
it is seldom that a complete prolapsus of the parts 
occurs. The chief symptom is a tumor-like mass 



74 DISEASES OF SWINE 

protruding from between the lips of the vulva, or 
hanging some distance below the opening. 

Treatment. — The treatment consists in cleaning 
the parts with warm water and disinfectants, redu- 
cing the congestion in the tissues, and returning the 
mass to its normal position. This is generally no 
easy task, and may cause the sow a great deal of 
pain. If the parts are inverted to such an extent as 
to expose a large part of the lining membrane, it 
becomes swollen and inflamed, sometimes injured and 
gangrenous. The size of the tumor-like mass may 
become greatly increased by the distended bladder, 
as the canal leading from the bladder is so pressed 
on that urine cannot be passed. All of the above con- 
ditions must be relieved before the accident can be 
successfully corrected. 

To reduce the size of the mass it should be ban- 
daged, beginning at the outer end and winding to- 
ward the body. It is best to use a clean muslin ban- 
dage about two yards in length. This should be al- 
lowed to stay on for about ten or fifteen minutes and 
hot water fomentations used. This should be re- 
peated as often as necessary, or until the tissues are 
in a fit condition to be returned. When badly injured, 
or gangrenous, the only thing that can be done is to 
amputate the mass. 

In returning the organs the finger, or thumb is 
pressed against the center of the tissues, and they are 
shoved forward and replaced in their normal position. 
They are then retained in position by taking a few 
stout stitches across the opening and to each side of 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 



75 



the lips of the vulva. The vagina should be injected 
once a day for a few days with an astringent or dis- 
infectant wash in order to relieve the irritated condi- 
tion of the mucous membrane. The stitches are re- 




FIG. 7 — BLACK OR PIGMENTARY TUMORS FROM SOW's UDDER 

moved as soon as further danger from inversion is 
over. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER— GARGET 

Causes. — Inflammation of the udder commonly 
occurs in heavy milkers, and is caused by all of the 
milk not being removed. Frequently, it occurs as a 
result of the milk accumulating in the udder when 
the sow has lost a part of her litter. Other causes 



'J^ DISEASES OF SWINE 

are obstructed teats, injuries to the glandular tissue, 
and infection from germs. Congestion and inflamma- 
tion of the udder sometimes follow a difficult birth. 

Treatment. — Milking the sow's udder two or 
three times a day will usually relieve its congested 
condition. A physic of Epsom salts should be given 
every other day, and a sloppy diet fed. In case the 
udder becomes inflamed it should be kneaded gently 
with the fingers, and the following ointment applied 
daily: Extract of belladonna and gum camphor (one 
dram of each), and vaseline (three ounces). Hot fo- 
mentations may also be used. 

Sore teats should be bathed daily with white lotion 
(one part zinc sulphate, three-fourths of a part lead 
acetate, and thirty parts water) until healed. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLES— ORCHITIS 

Inflammation of the testicles in the boar is gen- 
erally caused by blows, kicks, and bites from other 
animals. It may also occur as a result of an inflam- 
mation extending from a neighboring part and germ 
infection, or as a complication of some infectious 
disease. 

The symptoms are mostly local, the testicles and 
scrotum appearing swollen, tender, and inflamed. The 
pain is manifested by ^ straddling gait. In severe 
cases the hog acts dull, and stays in bed most of the 
time. 

Treatment. — If the inflammation is mild, the only 
treatment necessary is to give a physic and feed a 
light diet. In severe cases it is necessary to apply 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS y^ 

hot water packs, or clothes that have been wrung out 
in hot water, to the part, in order to keep down the 
inflammation. This should be persevered with until 
the acute part of the inflammation has subsided. A 
water solution of iodine should then be applied to the 
scrotum (iodine crystals, one and a half parts ; iodide 
of potassium, one part; and water, twenty parts). 
Twenty grains of iodide of potassium should be given 
in the feed twice a day for a few weeks. 

If an abcess forms, it is necessary to castrate the 
boar and wash out the part with a disinfectant solu- 
tion. This should not be postponed until too late, or 
the animal may die. Degeneration of the testicles 
sometimes occurs. Water sometimes forms in the 
scrotum as a result of the inflammatory changes. 

WATER IN THE SCROTUM— HEMATOCELE- 
HYDROCELE 

This condition is seldom met with in hogs. The 
usual cause of fluid collecting in the scrotal sack is 
an inflammation of the covering of the testicle 
(tunica vaginalis). This may follow as the result 
of an injviry to the walls of the scrotum. A small 
water seed (hydrocele) may occur as a complica- 
tion of castration, when the operation is performed 
carelessly. 

Symptoms. — The swelling is soft, elastic, and pain- 
less, and confined largely to the lower part of the 
scrotum. When a large quantity of fluid (serum, or 
blood and serum) collects between the layers of the 
tunic or at the end of the cord, it may resemble a 



78 DISEASES OF SWINE 

rupture or scrotal hernia. However, when pressed 
on with the fingers, the movement of the fluid in the 
sack enables the examiner to determine the difference 
between these two conditions. 

Treatment. — In most cases treatment is unneces- 
sary, as the disease does not interfere in any way 
with the animal's health. If treatment is desirable, 
the fluid can be drawn off with an aspirating syringe 
and tincture of iodine injected into the cavity. This 
operation must be performed under aseptic condi- 
tions in order to prevent germs from entering the 
part. In some cases it is advisable to castrate the 
animal. Where this condition follows castration, all 
that is necessary is to dissect out the sack. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PREPUCE OR SHEATH 

This condition is usually caused by the secretions 
and dirt accumulating in the sheath and its side folds. 
The irritation caused by the dirt inflames the lining 
membrane, and the glands in the part secrete more 
actively. Infection from pus germs usually follows, 
and the tissues become badly inflamed if not treated 
promptly. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms are usually local, and 
confined to the region of the sheath, or prepuce. The 
tissues become swollen, painful, and hot, and when 
badly swollen there may be some difficulty in passing 
urine. The animal seems to suffer some pain. When 
the swelling is pressed on, it causes the hog pain, 
and a disagreeable-smelling fluid-like substance, often 
cheesy in character, may be forced out. In case the 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 79 

flow of the urine is interfered with symptoms of re- 
tention of the urine develop. 

Treatment. — It is necessary to confine the hog by 
placing it on its back in order to treat it. The out- 
side of the sheath should be first fomented with hot 
water, and freed from any secretions and dirt that 
may have collected on its surface and around the 
opening into it. The collection in the sheath can 
then be broken down with the fingers or nozzle of the 
syringe, and the part irrigated with a warm water 
solution of some disinfectant. All of the material 
must be removed and the part thoroughly cleaned. 
If it is impossible to do this through the opening at 
the front of the sheath, an incision large enough for 
the purpose must be made in one or both side folds. 

The after treatment consists in irrigating the pre- 
puce with an antiseptic wash once a day for as long 
a time as necessary. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



NETTLE-RASH— URTICARIA 

Urticaria is an acute skin disease in which the 
celkilar tissue becomes infiltrated with fluid from the 
capillary blood-vessels, and flattened blotches or 
swollen spots form on the skin. They are not lim- 
ited to any particular region. This disease occurs 
mostly in young pigs. 

Causes. — The most common causes of urticaria 
are irritation to the skin by lice, dipping and sprink- 
ling hogs with irritating solutions (kerosene emul- 
sion), and filth. Well-fed young hogs seem to be 
predisposed to this disease. Leguminous forage crops 
are said to cause it. It may accompany other dis- 
eases, especially infectious diseases. 

Symptoms. — The blotches come on the skin very 
suddenly, frequently during the night, and are most 
numerous and noticeable on the ears, sides of the 
neck, back of the arms, inside of the thighs, or 
wherever the skin is thin. They appear as swollen 
red spots that vary greatly in size. Several spots may 
run together and form large blotches an inch across. 
Because of the intense itching, the hog will scratch 
and rub the inflamed skin, and the surface of the 
blotches appears red and moist. 

While the irritation lasts the hog is very restless, 

80 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 8l 



and there is a noticeable check in their thriftiness. 
However, the disease is not serious as a rule, and the 
disagreeable symptoms caused by the skin irritation 
pass off in a few days. We must not make the mis- 
take of including the symptoms of the primary dis- 
ease with those of urticaria, when the latter occurs 
as a complication. This mistake is sometimes made 
by some writers. Pustules are said to form m severe 



cases. 



The disease is not contagious. Its presence m the 
whole herd can be explained by the predisposition on 
the part of the animals, and the extent of the causa- 
tive factor or factors. 

Treatment.— The preventive measures against the 
disease consist in keeping growing hogs in clean 
quarters, and avoiding the use of irritating prepara- 
tions on the skin. There are plenty of non-irritating 
washes and dips that can be used for the purpose of 
destroying lice and cleaning the skin, without resort- 
ing to the use of irritating preparations. 

At the beginning of an attack of urticaria a physic 
should be given the animal. Epsom salts is best, and 
can be given in the feed or as a drench. The hogs 
should be kept in a cool, shady place, and fed a sloppy 
diet In severe cases some writers advise dosing the 
animals with Fowler's solution. The dose is ten 
drops in the feed for each hundred pounds live 

weight, twice a day. 

After the hogs have recovered, if dirty or lousy, 
they should be dipped in a one or two per cent, water 
solution of some tar disinfectant. The premises 



82 DISEASES OF SWINE 

should also be cleaned up. It is not an easy matter 
to get rid of hog lice, and it may be necessary to 
move the animals to new quarters for a few weeks. 
A two per cent, solution is more efifective for de- 
stroying lice than a one per cent., and the herd 
should be dipped twice at intervals of one week or 
ten days. After dipping or washing them, the hogs 
should be kept out of the hot sun until dried ofif. 

PITCH MANGE— ECZEMA 

Acute and chronic inflammation of the skin is not 
an uncommon disease in hogs. This is not due to a 
susceptibility of this class of animals to skin diseases, 
but more to the conditions under which they are kept. 

Causes. — This disease is associated with unhy- 
gienic conditions, filthy pens, extremes of heat and 
cold, and a debilitated condition. Light skinned hogs 
and those having a light coat of hair are apt to suf- 
fer from inflammation of the skin during the hot 
weather, as a result of irritation from the sun's rays, 
especially if kept in muddy yards. A severe slough- 
ing of the skin may occur if hogs are allowed to 
wallow in pools of water, that sometimes form in the 
places where corn-cobs have been burned into char- 
coal. Eczema sometimes occurs in a drove of hogs 
that are kept on marsh land because of the irritating 
properties of the soil. Inflammation and sloughing of 
the skin may occur in hog cholera, articular rheuma- 
tism, and other germ diseases. 

Symptoms. — In white hogs the aflfected parts of 
the skin may appear red, inflamed, swollen, and tender. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



83 



111 moist eczema small red spots appear first, and are 
followed by vesicles or blisters. In a short time these 
change to pustules. All stages of the inflammation 
may be seen. When the pustules dry up, crusts are 
formed. In hog cholera the affected parts of the 
skin finally become dry and hard, separate from the 




FIG. 8 — A SKIN DISEASE CAUSED BY MUCK DIRT 

healthy skin, and slough off. In case the inflamma- 
tion is caused by severe irritation, cracks form in the 
skin on the back, ears, and other parts of the body, 
and may form large sores. 

The pain and irritation usually cause the hog to act 
restless. In some cases the appetite is i)oor, and the 
hog acts dull and feverish. 



84 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Treatment. — The preventive treatment consists in 
avoiding, as much as possible, such conditions as may 
irritate the skin. Filthy surroundings should be 
avoided, and the hogs kept in a thrifty condition. 

When the hogs are kept in muddy yards, they 



w 




-^cjpi 




^S^&^ 


it'^ ^ 


'l^.^^l 


^m'^ 


iM^^ 


^»- 


^^m 


w 



FIG. 9 — WART FROM THROAT OF HOG 

should be occasionally washed, or dipped, in a one per 
cent, water solution of a tar disinfectant. Keeping 
the hogs clean is a very necessary part of their care, 
and a dipping-tank should be a part of the equipment 
in the hog yards. 

SKIN WARTS 

Warts are growths on the skin caused by piled up 
epidermal cells, or hypertrophy of the papillae of the 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 85 

« 

skin. Weak, debilitated hogs seem to be predisposed 
to warts, or more likely, the condition of the inde- 
vidual is the cause of the malnutrition of the skin. 
Irritation to the skin by dirt, etc., may also cause it. 
Warts are said to result from specific causes (germs). 
If the cause of the warts is known it should be 
removed. Large warts can be cut off with a knife or 
a pair of scissors. A preparation of a dram of 
salicylic acid and an ounce of castor-oil, rubbed on 
the warts once a day for a week or more, may re- 
move them. 



DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTORY ORGANS 

ARTICULAR AND MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM 

Articular and muscular rheumatism are so fre- 
quently associated in this class of animals, that it is 
best to discuss both at the same time. Although hogs 
live under favorable conditions for the development 
of rheumatism, they do not contract this disease as 
often as some of the other domestic animals. This is 
probably due to the abundance of fatty tissue and the 
protection it affords the animal. 

Causes. — This disease is generally attributed to 
cold, damp pens and exposure, but it may occur in 
hogs that are well cared for. Overfeeding is also 
said to cause it. Specific causes, unless it is in articu- 
lar rheumatism, should not be considered in discuss- 
ing this disease. At the beginning of an outbreak of 
hog cholera, symptoms of a rheumatic character are 
frequently noticed. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms are quite marked. 
These are fever, loss of appetite, lameness, and a gen- 
eral lack of condition. Sometimes large swellings ap- 
pear in the region of the hock, knee, and joints of 
the feet. If the muscles of the back are affected, the 
loins and back are held stiff and arched, the muscles 
are tender or sensitive when pressed on, and the 
animal may be unable to move the hind parts. The 

86 



DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTORY ORGANS 87 

latter cases may show a serious train of symptoms. 
Sows that have raised a htter of pigs, and are in poor 
flesh and debihtated, are sometimes affected in this 
way. 

A lameness of one or more of the extremities, that 
shows a tendency to move about, is the only symptom 
noticed in the mild form of the disease. Stiffness in 
the gait is noticed, especially if the quarters are af- 
fected, and the hog lies around the pen a good share 
of the time and refuses to go far for its food. 

In acute rheumatism the pain in the affected mus- 
cles and joints is intense, and when these parts are 
handled or the joints fixed, the animal will squeal. 
When lying down asleep, sudden contractions of the 
muscles may be noticed. This is due to the pain 
resulting from the relaxing of the muscles. 

The disease may pursue a long course, the joints 
become greatly enlarged, and the hog grows very thin 
and weak. In such cases a complete recovery does 
not occur. Acute heart-disease is not an uncommon 
complication. 

Treatment. — Preventive treatment is very impor- 
tant. It means the providing of dry, comfortable 
quarters, and the avoidance of exposure. Old straw 
stacks should not be used as a shelter for hogs, and 
the same is true of draughty, damp hog houses. 

An important part of the treatment is to provide 
dry, warm, comfortable quarters for the sick ani- 
mals. Unless this is practised, but little good can be 
gotten from the medicinal treatment. A sloppy diet 
is also indicated. Salicvlate of soda is the most use- 



88 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



ful drug to give in this disease. The dose is twenty 
or thirty grains in the feed, or as a drench, three 
times a day. Larger doses, and at more frequent 
intervals, may be given in acute cases for a short 




FIG. 10 — A LITTER OF PIGS AFFECTED WITH RICKETS 

time. Quinine and bitter tonics can also be given. 
Blistering ointments and liniments should be applied 
to the inflamed articulations. 



RICKETS— RHACHITIS 

Rickets is a disease affecting the bones, and, accord- 
ing to some writers on this disease, is most common 
in growing pigs shortly after they are weaned. In 
rickets, the bones of the body are lacking in mineral 
or earthy matter, and as a result lose their rigidity 



DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTORY ORGANS 89 

and become deformed. This is especially true of the 
extremities. 

Causes. — The most common cause of the disease 
is a faulty diet. In the Corn Belt, where corn forms 
the principal part of the ration fed growing hogs, 
rickets is not uncommon. Such a diet is deficient in 
inorganic matter, and unless supplemented by milk, 
pasture, or other feeds, the bones are not supplied 
with the necessary elements. Lack of exercise, 
crowded quarters, filth, etc., help in causing the dis- 
ease. A tendency toward rickets in pigs is no doubt 
hereditary. 

Symptoms. — The animal is usually fat at the be- 
ginning of the disease. Large, well-grown pigs may 
suddenly develop symptoms of paralysis of the hind 
parts. The weakened condition of the thigh-bones 
and the extra weight that they support causes their 
fracture, and the symptoms resulting resemble the 
above condition. At other times there is a weakness 
and bending of the bones in the extremities, breaking 
down upon the feet, bending or arching of the back, 
straddling gait, deformed or distorted condition of 
the face and snout. The latter condition is known as 
snuffles. 

When the disease takes on a chronic form, or has 
progressed for some time, the pig becomes unthrifty 
and stunted. When a fracture of a principal bone in 
the extremity occurs, it is best to destroy the pig. 
Snuffles is another condition that does not respond to 
treatment. 

Treatment. — Rickets can be prevented by feeding 



90 DISEASES OF SWINE 

a suitable ration, and keeping the hog in clean, well- 
ventilated quarters, where it can get plenty of exer- 
cise. Salt and charcoal are valuable additions to a 
growing pig's ration. Whenever a litter or several 




riG. II — RHACHITIC SWELLINGS ON THE HOCK JOINTS OF A PIG 

individuals in the herd show symptoms of the dis- 
ease, the character of the ration should be looked 
into, and, if faulty, corrected by adding to it food 
containing the required elements. 

It is hardly practical to use medicinal treatment 
other than bitter tonics. Unless it is in advanced 
cases, the disease can be controlled by feeding a 
ration rich in inorganic substances, and good hygienic 
conditions. 



DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTORY ORGANS QI 

SNUFFLES— BULLNOSE 

Snuffles Is an inflammatory disease of the lining 
membrane and the bony walls of the nasal cavity, 
accompanied by a distortion or deformity of the 
snout and face. This disease is frequently discussed 
along with rickets, and can be considered a symptom 
or complication of the latter disease. Some writers 
describe two forms of snuffles — a catarrhal and 
rhachitic. In the catarrhal form there is no notice- 
able change or deformity in the bones of the face, 
while in the rhachitic form these bones, as well as 
other parts of the skeleton, are deformed. 

Causes. — This disease is produced by a primary 
inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the 
nasal cavities and a ration lacking in the necessary 
amount of earthy matter. Under such conditions 
rhachitis of the facial bones may occur. Some 
authors state, that the deformity of the face may oc- 
cur as a result of the mucous membrane crowding 
the walls of the nasal cavities. We must not over- 
look the influence that a local inflammation may have 
in producing a malnutrition in a part, when the diet 
and surroundings are such as favor its production. 

The causes of a catarrhal cold and rickets are dis- 
cussed under their separate heads. 

Symptoms. — The principal symptoms are noisy, 
difficult respirations, a nasal discharge, unthriftiness, 
and a deformity of the snout and face. 

At the beginning of the disease the symptoms re- 
semble those seen in nasal catarrh and sore throat. 
The discharge from the nostrils is continuous, and 



92 DISEASES OF SWINE 

when the pig hes down for a short time, acciimu- 
lates in the nasal cavities and causes further obstruc- 
tion. On getting up the animal blows the nose or 
coughs in order to clear the air passages, and at all 
times it makes a wheezing, snuffling sound when 
breathing. Bleeding at the nose occurs in advanced 
cases, usually when taking exercise. 

Pigs affected with this disease have a dejected ap- 
pearance, and lie around the pen and in out-of-the- 
way places more than common. The appetite is 
usually poor, and the animal may have trouble in 
eating and swallowing food. The hog appears un- 
thrifty and stunted. The hair is rough and long, the 
skin dirty, condition poor, eyes watery, and the face, 
or some other part of the body, deformed. 

The disease takes a long, chronic course. After it 
becomes well advanced, the hog cannot make a com- 
plete recovery. Death sometimes occurs within a few 
weeks after the first symptoms are noticed. 

Treatment. — The treatment is preventive, and 
along the same line as in rickets and cold in the head. 
The curative measures indicated in these two diseases 
may also be used. However, it is not best to attempt 
treatment in a well-defined case. The cheaper and 
better method is to destroy the animal. 

SORE FEET 

Heavy hogs, when kept on hard floors or driven 
over rough roads, may suffer from bruised, inflamed 
feet. Hogs that are kept in filthy yards may also suf- 
fer from this disease. Under such conditions, the 



DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTORY ORGANS 93 

tissue between the claws becomes softened by the 
moisture, and the germs present enter the tissues and 
set up an irritation. 

Treatment.— If the sore feet result from confining 
the hogs on a hard floor, turning them out in a yard 
or pasture may efifect a cure. If the pens and yards 
are filthy, the hogs should be changed to clean, dry 
pens. The medicinal treatment consists in washing 
the feet once a day with a four per cent, solution of 
some of the tar disinfectants until healed. A very 
effective wash for the feet can be made by mixing 
one teaspoonful of chloride of zinc with a pint of 
water. This mixture tends to harden the feet and 
destroy all germs. 

Keeping the hog in a clean, dry place is very nec- 
essary in order to bring about a cure. 



PART II 



SURGICAL DISEASES 

CHOKING 

Choking Is caused by swallowing some sharp ob- 
ject, such as a piece of bone, that penetrates the lin- 
ing membrane of the gullet and becomes lodged in 
the part, or by such objects as potatoes, roots, etc., 
that are too large to pass along the canal and into 
the stomach. Paralysis of the oesophagus may also 

cause it. 

Symptoms.— In complete choke, the hog is unable 
to swallow food, saliva dribbles from the mouth and 
bloating occurs. If not reHeved, death occurs in a 
short time. The symptoms are not so serious in par- 
tial choke, difficulty in swallowing and salivation 
forming the main symptoms. 

It is sometimes difficult to recognize a partial 
choke. In case the obstruction is lodged in the throat 
or anterior part of the gullet, it may be felt when 
the part is manipulated with the fingers. Instead of 
o-runtins: the hoq; makes a shrill sound. The object 
may be gotten rid of by vomiting. 

Treatment.— When the object is smooth and 
lodged in the throat, it may be forced forward and 
into the mouth by pressing below it with the fingers 
and shoving it forward. It may also be dislodged by 
introducing a blunt, flexible stick into the mouth and 

97 



98 DISEASES OF SWINE 

gullet, changing the position of the obstruction and 
then working it forward. A blunt wire hook is some- 
times used when the object is well forward. A 
mouth gag and a probang may be used when neces- 
sary. 

Drenching the hog with oils' or mucilagenous 
drinks (flaxseed tea, etc.) will lubricate the passages, 
and the object may slip on down the oesophagus and 
into the stomach. We must remember, however, that 
the animal is unable to handle a large drench, when 
in this condition, and give only a small amount at a 
time, or a part may get into the air passages and do 
a great deal of harm. 

Unless the hog is relieved shortly after the accident 
occurs, it is best to slaughter it. 

RUPTURE— HERNIA 

Hernia or rupture is a condition in which a portion 
of the intestines, or omentum have passed through 
the walls of the abdomen and lie just beneath the 
skin. 

Rupture in pigs is frequently due to some con- 
genital defect, as an open umbilicus or a wide in- 
guinal canal. At other times, it is caused by in- 
creased pressure on the walls of the abdomen by the 
intestines, due to the pigs piling up and lying on one 
another, and to crawling through a small opening in 
a fence. 

The different forms of rupture are discussed sep- 
arately. 



• SURGICAL DISEASES 99 

UMBILICAL HERNIA 

Umbilical hernia is usually congenital. At the time 
of birth, the umbilical or naval opening is so large 
that the naval chord does not completely fill it, and the 
omentum, or a portion of the intestines pass through 
and take a position immediately beneath the skin. 
The rupture is recognized by the presence of a swell- 
ing or enlargement on the under side of the belly 
and opposite the naval opening. The enlargement is 
soft and free from inflammation, and larger at one 
time than another. By laying the pig on its back and 
pressing downward on the swelling, its contents can 
be forced back through the opening at its base and 
into the abdominal cavity. 

Pigs ruptured in this way do not thrive well, as a 
rule, and sometimes become badly stunted. This is 
especially apt to be the case when the swelling is 
large. 

Treatment. — The treatment of umbilical hernia is 
not dfficuilt and is usually followed by good results. 
As in all other forms of rupture, surroundings that 
may cause this class of injuries should be avoided. 

The treatment is surgical and as follows : The pig 
is placed on its back and held by the assistant. With 
the fingers, the size and position of the navel opening 
is determined, and if the intestines do not pass back 
into the abdominal cavity of their own accord, they 
must be forced back with the fingers. After getting 
rid of the contents of the sack, it is held by the 
assistant and a strong cord tied around its base close 
up to the opening into it. Within a short time the 

Lore 



lOO DISEASES OF SWINE 

cord causes the tissues to swell and close the open- 
ing. As the blood supply to the sack is cut off, the 
part sloughs away in a short time. 

The simple ligature, as above described, answers 
very well for a small rupture, but in case the swelling 
is large a multiple ligature must be used. The pro- 
cedure differs slightly when this is used. The sack 
and the skin in the region of the sack are first washed 
with a disinfectant. The instruments needed for the 
operation are a strong curved needle and a pair of 
scissors. The needle carrying the heavy linen thread 
or ligature that has been lying in the disinfectant 
solution, is passed through the base of the sack close 
to the belly, the thread is then divided and each half 
is tied separately, or, one half of the thread is cut 
close to the needle, and the needle carrying the other 
half again passed through the sack a short distance 
from the part included in the first ligature. This is 
repeated until the necessary number of stitches have 
been taken. The ends of the stitches are then tied. 
The assistant should pull slightly on the hernial sack, 
so as to enable the operator to place the stitches close 
to the opening. 

In case of adhesions between the contents and wall 
of the sack, as may occur in hernia of long standing, 
it cannot be reduced in the usual way. In such cases, 
it is necessary to cut through the walls of the sack 
and break down the adhesions with the fingers. The 
opening is then closed by stitching across it from 
margain to margin. The parts and the instruments 
used in the operation must be carefully disinfected, 



SURGICAI> DISEASES lOI 

as there is clanger of introducing germs into the ab- 
dominal cavity and causing the hog to die of peri- 
tonitis. The after treatment consists in keeping the 
pig in a separate pen, away from the other hogs, and 
washing the part once a day for a few days with a 
disinfectant in order to promote healing. 

SCROTAL OR INGUINAL HERNIA 

Scrotal hernia occurs in the male, the intestines 
passing through the wide inguinal canal together 
with the cord of the testicle and become lodged in 
the scrotum. It is not difficult to recognize this form 
of rupture, as the enlargement of the scrotum is 
usually quite noticeable. It is sometimes so large that 
it drags on the ground. These large ruptures occur 
when the inguinal canal is wide and roomy, and when 
both sides of the scrotum contain intestines or the 
rupture is a double one. The nature of the swelling 
or enlargement can be readily recognized by raising 
the hind parts of the pig, when the intestines will 
gravitate back into the abdominal cavity, but as soon 
as the pig regains its feet, they again return to the 
■scrotum. The testicles can be felt toward the bot- 
tom of the enlargement. 

This condition is more apt to occur when a large 
number of hogs are allowed to run together, if they 
crowd one another in narrow doorways and at the 
feed trough, or pile up in their sleeping quarters. 
The canal is so roomy and loose that it is uncommon 
for the intestines to become pressed on in such a way 
as to become strangulated. However, the thriftiness 



102 DISEASES OF SWINE 

of the animal is greatly interfered with and it may 
become badly stunted. 

Treatment. — To relieve a scrotal hernia, it is nec- 
essary to castrate the hog. The pig should be starved 
for about a day, as it is easier to operate when the 
intestines are empty, or nearly so. In small pigs this 
is not so important. 

What is known as the covered operation is to be 
preferred in most cases. The procedure is as fol- 
lows : It is best to hang the pig up by the hind legs, 
or have the assistant hold it in this position in order 
to relieve the pressure on the scrotum and help in 
returning the intestines. A needle, ligature, operat- 
ing knife or scalpel and scissors are the instruments 
necessary for the operation. These should be disin- 
fected before beginning to operate and kept in a dis- 
infectant when not in use. The scrotum is first 
washed and disinfected and an incision made in its 
walls. The incision should be made down to the 
covering of the testicle (tunica vaginalis). This must 
be done carefully so as to avoid cutting through the 
tunic. The opening in the scrotum must be plenty 
large enough to enable the operator to draw the tes- 
ticle and its coverings outside the sack, and give him 
room to work. A needle carrying a ligature is passed 
through the cord and tunic as high up as possible, 
the needle removed and the parts ligated. The cord 
and its covering are then cut off about half an inch 
above the ligature. This completely closes the ab- 
dominal cavity and there is no chance for the hernia 
to again occur. 



SURGICAL DISEASES IO3 

The open operation Is sometimes performed. The 
rupture is reduced in the usual way. An incision is 
then made the same as in castration and the testicle 
removed. To close the inguinal canal, a number of 
stitches are taken across the external opening. In 
addition, the scrotum is sometimes packed with some 
sort of material and the incision closed with sutures. 
Precautions should be taken against germ infection. 
This operation is more difficult and less satisfactory 
than the covered operation. 

VENTRAL HERNIA 

Scrotal and umbilical hernias are due to the dila- 
tion of openings already present. All other forms 
caused by a break or tear in the abdominal walls, but 
not in the skin, are called ventral hernise. 

Ventral hernia is caused by injuries to and pres- 
sure on the abdominal walls. It may occur as a re- 
sult of kicks and collisions with blunt objects. Tear- 
ing and stretching of the tissues may also occur when 
hogs crowd one another and pile up around straw 
stacks, and in their sleeping quarters. A weak, de- 
bilitated condition predisposes them to this class of 
injuries. 

The appearance and character of the swelHng is 
much the same as in other ruptures. The size varies 
greatly. When the injury is caused by a kick or 
collision, a local inflammation is present. As ventral 
hernia is commonly caused by crowding and squeez- 
ing, a common seat is on the inside of the flank, the 
swellinsf extending: backward between the thighs and 



I04 DISEASES OF SWINE I 

resembles to some extent a scrotal rupture. In these 
cases the tear in the tissues is usually long and the 
swelling large and easily reduced. 

Treatment. — The treatment is more difficult and 
less satisfactory than in other forms of rupture. In 
cases of long standing, it is not uncommon for the 
intestines to adhere to the hernial sack. This condi- 
tion makes the reduction of the hernia difficult, and 
it is necessary to use care in cutting through the 
walls of the sack and in breaking down the adhesions 
in order to avoid injuring the intestines. 

The hog is held in the best position possible for 
the reduction of the rupture, usually on its back with 
the hind parts elevated. The incision in the sack 
should be large, so as to give the operator room to 
work. If adhesions between the sack and the intes- 
tines are present, they should be carefully broken 
down and the intestines returned into the abdominal 
cavity. The edges of the tear or opening should be 
freshened by cutting, or scraping them with a scalpel 
in order to promote healing. The opening should 
then be closed with stitches, well placed and close 
together, so as to insure their holding and keeping 
the margins of the tear in apposition. Boric acid can 
be dusted over the part and the hernial sack packed 
with antiseptic gauze, and the incision in the sack 
closed by a few stitches. The packing must be 
changed daily and the part washed with disinfectants 
until healed. The stitches may then be removed. In 
operating the usual care against germ infection 
should be practiced. Keeping the hog quiet and in a 
clean pen is the necessary part of the treatment. 



SURGICAL DISEASES IO5 

CASTRATION 

The castration of the hoar is a very simple opera- 
tion and is not followed by complications when prop- 
erly performed, as is frequently the case in some of 
the other farm animals. Pigs of all ages and in all 
kinds of condition are castrated. The age at which 
it is best to operate is not fully agreed upon, but a 
large number of swine breeders prefer to do this 
work when the pigs are still nursing, or wait until 
some time after they are weaned. However, they 
seem to suffer less from the operation before they are 
weaned than when older, and it is especially apt to 
check their growth, if done at weaning time. 

The operation is frequently performed under very 
unfavorable conditions for healing to occur. It is 
too often made a rainy day job and the pigs are 
afterward turned iaito muddy, filthy pens. Such con- 
ditions as these favor the infection of the wound with 
injurious germs, and healing is interfered with by 
the formation of pus and the inflammation of the 
part. This is especially apt to occur during the warm 
weather. 

It is unnecessary to prepare young pigs for the 
operation. If operated on after weaning time, they 
should be prepared by not allowing them food for at 
least twelve hours. The stomach and intestines are 
not distended with food, when prepared in this way, 
and the pigs are easier to handle. We should always 
handle young pigs carefully in order to avoid injur- 
ing them, or getting them warmed up. This latter 



I06 DISEASES OF SWINE 

condition may increase the danger from bleeding", and 
is apt to give them a set back. 

When everything is convenient and the pigs are 
confined in small pens where they can be easily 
caught, one assistant will be able to catch and hold 
the pigs for the operator. There are different meth- 
ods of holding them. Usually, the hind limbs are 
grasped with the hands and the head and fore limbs 
are held between the knees. The pig is sometimes 
laid on its side or back, and the hind limbs are drawn 
well forward and held with the hands. Large hogs 
are sometimes very hard to hold, and it may be neces- 
sary to tie their limbs in order to prevent them from 
struggling and getting away. It is best to place a 
grown animal on its side, rest one knee on the side of 
the head and neck, and draw the hind limbs as far 
forward as possible. 

The operator should provide himself with the 
necessary instruments, solutions, etc., before begin- 
ning to -operate. He should have plenty of disin- 
fectant (four per cent, water solution of a tar disin- 
fectant) in a clean pail, a good castrating knife, 
needles, suture thread, and absorbent cotton or jute. 
The instruments can be kept clean by dropping theii 
into the disinfectant wash when not in use. The 
skin of the scrotum should be first cleaned with the 
disinfectant. The testicle is then grasped between 
the thumb and finger and pushed against the wall of 
the pouch, an incision is made in the scrotum paral- 
lel with the middle line or raphe and from half an 
inch to an inch and a half to one side, the covering 



SURGICAL DISEASES lO/ 

of the testicle incised and the testicle removed. The 
incision should be large enough to allow the testicle 
to drop out, and made with one stroke of the knife. 
When the hog is on his side, the lower testicle should 
be removed first. In young pigs the cord is usually 
severed by giving the testicle a quick jerk, but in 
older animals it is best to pull the cord well out and 
sever it by scraping with the edge of the knife. 
Other methods of severing the cord are tying a liga- 
ture around it before cutting it off and using the 
emasculator — an instrument that crushes as well as 
cuts the tissues. These latter methods are practical 
in grown animals and when the cord is large. How- 
ever, the emasculator can be used to an advantage in 
all cases. The operation is then repeated on the op- 
posite side. 

Before letting the pig loose, the incisions in the 
scrotum should be examined, and if they do not 
extend to the lowest part of the pouch, should be 
made longer. This allows the blood and pus to drain 
off, instead of collecting in the part. Some precau- 
tions should be taken for a few days against the 
wound becoming dirty. The pigs should not be al- 
lowed to wallow in the mud and sleep in dirty, dusty 
places. If the conditions are favorable, the wound 
will heal rapidly and require no after treatment. 

The belief that it is unnecessary to take the above 
precautions is only too common. It is because of this 
and the careless way in which the operation is per* 
formed, that complications so frequently follow. 



I08 DISEASES OF SWINE 

COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING CASTRATION 

Castration of the male is not free from complica- 
tions. These are hemorrhage from the blood vessels 
in the cord, rupture, abscesses and fibrous tumors. 
Peritonitis seldom occurs from this cause. 

Hemorrhage is not a dangerous complication in 
young hogs, as the blood vessels in the cord are so 
small that they soon become closed by a clot. There 
may be considerable bleeding from the incision in the 
scrotum, if the pigs become warmed up in catching 
them, but this is never dangerous. In old hogs the 
blood vessels in the cord are larger, and a serious 
hemorrhage may occur if the cut ends of the vessels 
are not crushed sufficiently to close them and hasten 
the formation of a clot. As well as endangering the 
animal's life, bleeding ma}' weaken and check the 
growth of the pig. 

Bleeding from the cord can be stopped best by tak- 
ing up the stump end and ligating it. Another 
method is to pack the scrotum with absorbent cotton 
and sew up the incision in its walls. The cotton 
should not be removed for about twenty-four hours, 
as it takes fully this long for a clot to form and the 
danger from bleeding to be over. 

Hernia rarely occurs as a complication of castra- 
tion. When it does, it is due to a roomy inguinal 
canal, or to injuring the animal while handling it. 
The operator should be prepared to meet this condi- 
tion whether it occurs as a result of castration, or is 
present at the time the operation is performed. The 



SURGICAL DISEASES lOQ 

methods of relieving this condition are described 
under the head of scrotal and ventral hernise. 

Growths or tumor formations in the scrotum and 
at the end of the cord are common when castration 
is not properly performed. A common mistake made 
by the operator is to cut too small an opening in the 
scrotum. This does not permit the pus and other 
secretions to drain off, and the parts become in- 
flamed. Other causes are leaving the cord too long 
and infection with irritating germs. Tumors in this 
region can be considered a serious complication, as 
they interfere with growth and may cause the death 
of the pig. They can be largely prevented by avoid- 
ino- the above causes and seldom occur when the cas- 
tration is performed properly. 

The treatment consists in dissecting out the tumor. 
This is a very painful operation and the pig may 
die shortly after the tumor has been removed, espe- 
cially if the growth is large. However, the results 
are usually good when the operation is skillfully per- 
formed, or if the tumor is small. In all cases, if not 
completely removed, it is apt to grow again and give 
more trouble than at first. 

CASTRATION OR CRYPTORCHIDS OR *' ORIG- 
INALS " 

In the " original " pig, the testicles, one or both, 
fail to descend through the Inguinal canal and make 
their appearance in the scrotum. Usually, but one 
testicle does not descend into the scrotum and it may 



no DISEASES OF SWINE 

be found in any part of the abdominal cavity, but in 
most cases is situated in the region of the flank. 
" Originals " are the cause of a great deal of annoy- 
ance in the hog lot, and unless they are castrated, 
should be taken out of the herd and disposed of in 
some way. Their castration is more difficult than 
that of the "straight" pig, but is not as difficult or 
dangerous as is commonly believed, and in most cases 
the operation is very successful. 

The method of operating is as follows : The hog 
should be starved for at least twelve hours. The 
operator's hands must be clean, and the disinfectant 
solution and instruments are gotten ready the same 
as in castrating a " straight " pig. The animal is laid 
on its side on the floor, or a table, and held there by 
the assistant. The operator stands at the back and 
clips the hair from the flank. An incision is then 
made in the flank, well toward the upper part and 
midway between the last rib and the point of the 
haunch. The incision should be large enough to per- 
mit two or more fingers to enter the abdominal 
cavity, and, if necessary, may be enlarged so as to 
admit the hand. On finding the testicle, it is drawn 
through the incision and the cord cut off in the usual 
manner. 

It is always best to use an emasculator, or ligate 
the cord before cutting it off, if the hog is well 
grown. After the testicle has been removed, the in- 
cision is closed by a number of stitches in the skin 
about an inch apart. The after treatment consists in 
keeping the wound clean for a few days and remov- 



SURGICAL DISEASES III 

ing the stitches in about a week. In case the " ridg- 
Hng " is a double one, the operation is repeated on 
the opposite side. 

SPAYING— OVARIOTOMY 

The spaying of the sow is not practiced as exten- 
sively at present as it was ten or twenty years ago. 
Of late years the operation has been made unneces- 
sary by the marketing of the sow at the age of six 
or eight months, unless it is in special cases. We 
occasionally come across a person who still believes 
in the practice of spaying, but the large majority of 
swine bre-eders consider it of no value. 

The proper age to spay is when the sow is three 
or four months old, as at this age she is not suffi- 
ciently developed to take the boar, is easily handled 
and but little inconvenienced by the operation. The 
sow should be prepared for the operation by not feed- 
ing her for about twelve hours, or long enough to 
partially empty the intestines so that they will not 
interfere with the operation. 

The flank operation is to be preferred to the one 
on the median line, and the procedure is very much 
the same as in castrating an " original." The sow 
is laid on an inclined board or table, the hind parts 
more elevated than the foreparts, and held by the 
assistant. The operator should supply himself with 
the necessary instruments and material, such as 
operating knife, scissors, needles, suture thread, dis- 
infectant, etc. A special shaped knife is recom- 
mended for making the incision in the flank, but an 



112 DISEASES OF SWINE 

ordinary castrating knife or bistoury will answer the 
purpose. Linen thread may be used for suture materi- 
al, and a strong half-curved surgeon's needle is best 
for sewing up the incision in the flank. A small bitch 
emasculator is to be preferred for cutting off the 
ovaries. The instruments should be kept in the dis- 
infectant solution when not in use. The operator's 
hands must be clean and the seat of the operation 
washed with the solution. 

The operator stands at the back of the sow. The 
hair is first clipped from the skin at the point where 
the incision is made, high up in the flank and mid- 
way between the point of the haunch and the last rib. 
The incision in the part should be large enough to 
admit two fingers, and in the same direction as the 
long axis of the body, or across it. The latter direc- 
tion is to be preferred. After tearing through the 
peritoneum, one or two fingers are introduced into 
the abdomiinal cavity and directed toward the back. 
If the ovaries are not easily located, the womb should 
be located and followed forward until the fingers 
come in contact with the ovaries. These organs can 
be readily recognized by the way they feel — firm and 
rough. The ovary is then pulled through the open- 
ing in the flank and removed by tearing it off with 
the fingers, or better, by cutting it off with an emas- 
culator. The flank incision is then closed by the 
necessary number of stitches. 

Both ovaries may be removed through the same 
opening, or the operation repeated on the opposite 
side. 



SURGICAL DISEASES 113 

When the operation is performed on the median 
line, a small rope is tied around each hock and 
the sow hung up with a gambrel. A small in- 
cision is then made on the middle line of the 
abdomen, two or three inches in front of the pubis. 
The ovaries are then removed in the usual way, 
and the incision closed by the necessavy number 
of stitches. 



PROLAPSE OF THE ANUS 

Permanent protrusion of the lining membrane 
of the rectum through the anal opening is called 
a prolapse of the anus. This condition is not un- 
common in growing pigs. Pigs having access to 
cinder piles, soft coal, etc., frequently suffer from 
this ailment. It is also common in pigs that eat 
rotten wood and earth. Constipation, diarrhoea, 
or any condition that may bring about a weakened 
condition of the spincter muscle of the anus will 
cause it. 

Symptoms. — In some cases only a small portion 
of the rectal mucous membrane makes its appear- 
ance outside of the anus. In more severe cases a 
fair-sized tumor, Tound, red, and slightly painful, 
is present. After being exposed for a time, it 
becomes swollen and dark colored, and, finally, 
dried and cracked on its surface. The prolapsed 
part may (itch intensely, and the hog rubs and in- 
jures the tissues in trying to relieve the irritation. 
Usually the appetite falls off and the pig is rest- 



114 DISEASES OF SWINE 

less. If not relieved, the prolapsed part sloughs 
ofif in time. 

Treatment. — The preventive measures consist 
in correcting at the proper time such disorders as 
may cause the disease. 

When the pig is constipated, as is usually the 
case, it should be given a laxative and fed a 
sloppy diet. The rectal mucous membrane should 
be bathed with warm water until cleaned, and the 
irritation relieved before replacing it. If badly 
swollen and inflamed, an astringent wash (a five 
per cent, water solution of powdered alum) should 
be used. It can then be returned by pressing it 
within the anal opening with the fingers. If 
necessary, a stitch can be taken across the anal 
opening to retain the prolapsed part. In case 
the tissues show indication of sloughing, they 
should be cut off and the cut edge of the mucous 
membrane sutured to the margin of the anus. 






PART III 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 

HOG CHOLERA 

Hog Cholera is a common infectious disease of 
swine, characterized by an inflammation and ul- 
ceration of the stomach and intestines, enlarged 
and inflamed condition of the lymphatic glands, 
and sloughing of portions of the skin. The name 
hog cholera is frequently applied to a class of 
infectious diseases in which the symptoms re^ 
semble each other. The investigation carried on 
by the Bureau of Animal Industry show that 
there are three diseases belonging to this class: 
hog cholera and swine plague, with which swine 
breeders are well acquainted, and a third that 
resembles the acute form of hog cholera. 

The annual loss from the so-called hog cholera 
epidemics has been estimated at from $10,000,000 
to $25,000,000, and in some years investigators 
have estimated the loss at double the latter 
amount. In the Twentieth Annual Report of the 
Bureau of Animal Industry, the per cent, of loss 
from disease in the different farm animals is given 
for the year ending in March, 1904. The per cent, 
of loss in hogs is about twice that of other ani- 
mals, due no doubt to epidemic infectious diseases. 
History.— Most writers believe 'that hog cholera 
was first introducted into the United States through 

117 



Il8 DISEASES OF SWINE 

the importation of diseased animals from England, 
the same as in a number of other animal diseases. 
The early history of the disease in this country 
is not very definite. 

The first supposed outbreak of hog cholera oc- 
curred in Ohio in 1838. During the next ten or 
fifteen years scattering outbreaks occurred in the 
states bordering on Ohio and in the South. Dur- 
ing the next period in the history of this disease, 
from 1845 to i860, it became thoroughly planted 
in all parts of the country, where hog raising was 
followed to any great extent, through the move- 
ment of animals from one part of the country to 
another. 

Although its importance and contagious char- 
acter were recognized at an early period, no effort 
was made to prevent it from spreading. At that 
time veterinarians and stockmen were not ac- 
quainted with the nature of the contagion, and 
the modern methods of dealing with such diseases, 
and the opportunity to stamp out hog cholera at 
a time when it might have been successfully con- 
trolled, was lost. 

Causes. — The specific cause is the bacillus of 
hog cholera, discovered and described by the 
Bureau of Animal Industry in 1885. It is a small 
rod-shaped germ having rounded ends and from 
.00005 to .00006 of an inch in length and .0000028 
of an inch in breadth. It is usually present in 
large numbers in the blood and diseased tissues 
of an animal that has died of the disease. 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES II9 

The germ is motile and grows readily in the 
laboratory on the different kinds of nutrient media, 
especially in alkaline ones kept at the body tem- 
perature. It grows in the* presence or absence of 
oxygen and does not form spores. It does not 
liquefy gelatine or produce any specific odor. 

Accessory Causes. — The wide prevalence of this 
disease can be acounted for by the unhygenic con- 
ditions existing in the hog houses and their sur- 
roundings. Filthy hog houses and yards are the 
usual ^enters of infection in a community, and 
when the germs become planted among such sur- 
roundings they may live for several months and 
remain active or virulent. 

Experiments conducted in order to determine 
how the germs find their way into the body, show 
that they usually enter by way of the digestive 
tract, along with the food and water; hence un- 
sanitary surrouJidings play an important part in 
the spreading of the disease. Overcrowded hog 
houses and muddy yards are favorable conditions- 
for infection. Feeding the hogs in the mud or on 
filthy feeding floors, and watering them in dirty 
troughs, or from ponds and streams, are common 
sources of the disease. 

Hog cholera is frequently spread by exhibiting 
hogs at stock shows and fairs wheVe they may 
have an oportunity to come in contact with the 
germs of the disease in the pens, or when shipped 
in stock or express cars. Buying hogs from dis- 
eased herds is also a common source of contagion. 



I20 DISEASES OF SWINE 

When an outbreak occurs in a neighborhood, 
precautions against the spread of the disease to 
neighboring herds are not taken, and it becomes 
distributed about by people, dogs, and other farm 
animals, birds, etc. Swine breeders, as a rule, do 
not recognize the danger of carrying the germs 
in the mud and filth that may accumulate on the 
shoes of a person who has walked through yards 
where hogs are dying of hog cholera. Dogs, 
horses, cattle and wagons may act as carriers of 
the germ in the same manner. Pigeons, because 
of their habit of feeding in the hog lots in differ- 
ent parts of the neighborhood, are also carriers 
of the germ. The opportunity for crows, buz- 
zards and dogs to distribute the disease is not 
great in sections of the country where the car- 
casses of the dead hogs are disposed of by burn- 
ing or burying. 

The drainage from infected yards is a dangerous 
source of infection. Streams running through an 
infected district may distribute the disease to all 
hog lots bordering on its banks. If the hogs' 
w^ater supply comes from such a source, or the 
animals allowed to wallow in the stream, disease is 
almost sure to occur. 

Age is an important predisposing factor in 
young hogs, and may be greatly increased by 
crowding them into too close quarters and by 
feeding an unsuitable ration. The feeding of a 
one-sided ration of corn does not meet the needs 
of the system in growing animals, and they soon 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 



121 



lose their vigor and may show unthriftiness. This 
is no doubt one cause for the disease being so 
prevalent in the corn-belt. 

Period of Incubation.— The shortest period of 
incubation is two days, the longest three or four 
weelvs. This depends on the susceptibility of the 
animals, the activity of the germ and the manner 




FIG. 12 — A COLERA HOG 

of infection. An acute attack indicates a short 
period and a mild or chronic one a long period. 
Usually, from one to two weeks will elapse from 
the time the animal is exposed until it comes 
down with the disease. 

Symptoms. — Three different forms of hog chol- 
era occur, and for this reason the disease does not 



122 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



present a specific set of symptoms. The symp- 
toms can be divided into acute, subacute and 
chronic. 

In the acute form, which is the most common, 
an elevation in the body temperature of from one 
to three degrees, marked depression and loss of 
appetite are among the first symptoms. Vomiting 
may also occur. In some cases there is an in- 
clination to eat earth and other indigestible sub- 




FIG. 13 — A CHOLERA PIG 

stances. Usually, the hog goes ofT by itself and 
hunts a cool, quiet place and lies down, or bur- 
rows under the litter and hides. Tremors sug- 
gestive of a chilling of the body may be noticed. 
The inflammation of the intestines and soreness 
of the abdominal walls cause the hog to arch the 
back, carry the hind parts stiffly, stagger, and cross 
the hind feet when it moves about. 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 23 

As in all serious febrile disturbances, the secre- 
tion from the lining membrane of the eyelids is 
increased. At first the secretion is watery, but 
soon becomes heavy and pus-like. It accumulates 
on the margins of the lids, causing them to adhere 
together. There is also an increase in the skin 
secretions. These become mixed with the dirt and 
dust, which adheres to the surface of the skin and 
gives the animal a dirty appearance. Red, hem- 
orrhagic spots or blotches may appear on the skin 
in the region of the ears, on the under side of the 
neck and abdomen,, and other parts of the body, 
but unless the skin is light colored, this symptom 
is not very prominent. Similar spots may be seen 
on the lips and the lining membrane of the mouth. 

Early in the attack constipation occurs and later 
a diarrhoea, or a diarrhoea and constipation may 
alternate. The diarrhoeal discharge is thin and 
watery, has a foetid odor, and is usually dark col- 
ored or black. Sometimes it is mixed with blood. 
However, the color of the feces depends somewhat 
on the kind of feed the animal has eaten, and if fed 
mostly on corn, the evacuations are light colored. 

The respiration and pulse beats are quickened. 
Thumps sometimes occur. When the throat is 
swollen and inflamed, the respirations are labored 
and noisy. The symptoms advance rapidly. The 
hog becomes very weak and depressed in the lat- 
ter stages of the disease, and is usually found dead 
in its bed. The duration of the acute form is 
from two days to two weeks. In some cases death 



124 DISExVSES OF SWINE 

occurs without our noticing previous symptoms of 
disease. 

The usual termination is death, especially in 
pigs. It may, however, assume the chronic form. 

In the subacute form, the symptoms may be so 
mild as to escape notice. A mild train of symp- 
toms, similar to those described in connection with 
the acute form, usually occur. These are a fever- 
ish condition, depression, loss of appetire, consti- 
pation and diarrhoea. Recovery usually occurs 
within a few days. It may take on a chronic 
form. 

When the disease persists for some time (from 
three weeks to three months) it is spoken of as 
chronic. In such cases the appetite is irregular 
and the animal becomes weak and unthrifty. The 
stomach, intestines and other internal organs are 
diseased and the symptoms manifested will vary, 
but are usually the same as in any general diseased 
conditions of the body. Young hogs become badly 
stunted. 

The inflamed, hemorrhagic blotches on the skin 
become dry, hard and cracked, and soon separate 
from the healthy tissue and slough ofif. Large 
sores may form on the back and other parts of 
the body. These generally heal as soon as the 
other symptoms are relieved. The unthrifty ap- 
pearance of the animal is greatly increased by the 
thickened, wrinkled and dirty skin, and the thin, 
dry coat. The loss of the tail and portions of the 
ears add greatly to the changed appearance. Pigs 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 25 

may become so stunted and diseased that it is best 
to destroy them. Death often occurs. 

Lesions. — The diseased changes in the tissues 
depend on the character of the symptoms and the 
duration of the disease. 

In acute cases of only a few days' duration, 
hemorrhagic lesions predominate. The lymphatic 
glands, especially those in the region of the intes- 
tines, are a deep red color and infiltrated with 
blood. The spleen may also be engorged with 
blood and softened. Small, red, hemorrhagic spots 
may be present in the kidneys, heart and other in- 
ternal organs, and the lining membrane of the 
thoracic and abdominal cavities may show hem- 
orrhagic areas. Inflamed reddened areas on the 
lining membrane of the stomach and intestines 
form a constant lesion of disease. Sometimes, 
these hemorrhages into the tissue beneath the 
mucous membrane are so great as to raise it and 
give it a thickened appearance. Lesions of the 
same character may appear in the skin and under- 
lying tissues, and in light-skinned hogs these 
blotches are very noticeable and become more 
prominent after death. They are so characteristic 
that meat inspectors can identify the carcass of a 
hog having had hog cholera, when hanging upon 
the gambrel in the abattoir. 

The above leisons are caused by the hog cholera 
bacilli accumulating in the capillary blood vessels, 
plugging them and shutting off the circulation of 
blood in the part. The involved parts soon- lose 



126 DISEASES OF SWINE 

their vitality and slough off. Raised ulcers follow 
the sloughing in the stomach and intestines. 
These are among the most characteristic lesions 
of the disease and may involve a large part of the 
lining membrane of the small intestine, resemb- 
ling in appearance a croupous membrane. The 
ulcers may be confined to the last of the small 
intestine, and the beginning of the large (region 
of the ileo-cecal valve). The small ulcers are cir- 
cular in outline, margins irregular and slightly de- 
pressed below the surface of the mucous mem- 
brane, and brownish, yellowish, or reddish in color. 
After a few weeks they show evidence of healing 
and the part is more or less filled in with scar 
tissue. 

The liver and kidneys may show indications of 
having undergone degenerative changes. 

The lungs may be involved secondarily and 
show scattered, inflamed pneumonic centers. How- 
ever, this is not a constant lesion, and when the 
lungs are diseased to any great extent, it indicates 
the presence of the germ of swine plague. 

Preventive Treatment. — Preventive measures con- 
sist in using all possible precaution against 
the carrying of the germs of the disease into the 
hog lots, the use of healthful, sanitary hog houses 
and surroundings, and in keeping the herd in a 
healthy, vigorous condition. 

Hogs from other herds should be excluded from 
the hog lots until we are positive they are not 
diseased. Such animals should l)e quarantined in 




FIG, 14— A PIECE OF INTESTINE SHOWING HOG CHOLERA ULCERS 



128 DISEASES OF SWINE 

yards set off for this purpose, and that do not in 
any way communicate with the regular yards. 
They should also be dipped or washed with a tar 
disinfectant. This latter precaution is necessary 
because of the possibility of the hogs carrying the 
germs on their bodies in the dirt and dust coming 
from infected places. The quarantine period 
should be somewhat longer than the average pe- 
riod of incubation. Three weeks is as long a time 
as necessary. 

The possible introduction of the disease into the 
pens by people, dogs, birds, etc., should be guarded 
against, especially if the disease is present in the 
neighborhood. The distribution of the germs of 
hog cholera by these agents is not as common or 
as greatly to be feared, as a few years ago, when 
the nature of the contagion was not well under- 
stood, and people were allowed to enter the yards 
and carry away enough of the infectious material 
on their shoes to infect other places. Whenever 
it is necessary to enter a hog lot where the disease 
is known to exist, the shoes should be cleaned and 
disinfected on leaving it. Persons taking care of 
the sick animals . should practice all precautions 
possible against the distribution of the disease, and 
see that others observe like precautions. The 
burial of the dead animals has greatly diminished 
the danger of spreading the disease by dogs and 
buzzards, but crows, pigeons and sparrows are 
still to be considered carriers of the infectious 
material. 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 29 

In no place on the farm are disinfectants so 
necessary, as around the hog house and yards. 
Whitewash and hnie should be used around the 
hog houses at least once a year. An occasional 
spraying of the feeding floors, pens, etc., with a 
disinfectant will help in keeping away undesirable 
germs. The tar disinfectants are the most con- 
venient and useful for this purpose, and should be 
used in from two to four per cent, solutions. 

Pastures and lots can be kept in a better sani- 
tary condition, if the hogs are taken out for a few 
months each year. The unused lots can be put to 
a good use and cleaned up, by plowing and sowing 
them to some forage crop. 

All possible precautions against the food and 
drinking water becoming infected with germs 
should be taken. The importance of clean water, 
clean feed, and clean troughs and feeding floors 
must be emphasized, as it is in the feed that the 
germs usually enter the system. Muddy yards are 
always undesirable, and when in use for a few 
years, are apt to become filthy. For this reason 
they should be well drained and all wallow holes 
filled in. Pens and pastures through which the 
drainage from swine enclosures higher up runs, 
should not be used for hogs. 

An occasional spraying or dipping of the hogs 
with a one or two per cent, water solution of a tar 
disinfectant, can be considered a necessary part of 
their care. Pigs should not be placed in crowded 
quarters, and attention should be given their feed- 



130 DISEASES OF SWINE 

ing and care in order to keep them in a healthy, 
growing condition. Healthy individuals possess a 
certain amount of resistance toward disease, and 
this form of immunity plays no small part in the 
prevention of hog cholera. However, immunity 
from this source is limited, and when an animal 
in the best of health is exposed to a large number 
of active germs at any one time, disease is pro- 
duced. This fact shows the importance of clean 
yards and the relation* that other sanitary measures 
have to good health in the prevention of disease. 
Hygenic Measures Necessary in the Treatment 
of Hog Cholera. — It is very necessary that we 
recognize the disease in the early stages in order 
to prevent its spread. In some outbreaks, the 
symptoms are not typical at the beginnmg of the 
outbreak and a diagnosis cannot be made from the 
symptoms alone. When such is the case, a sick 
hog should be destroyed and a careful post mortem 
examination made, and if it proves to be cholera, 
active measures should be taken against its spread- 
ing. If practical under the conditions, the herd 
should be divided into small bunches, and the sick 
animals separated from the well ones. If the pens 
and hog houses are in such a condition that they 
cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected, the 
herd should be moved to some convenient place 
and temporary quarters built. When the weather 
is warm, the only protection necessary is shade. 
In cold weather, the quarters should be warm 
enough to keep the hogs from piling up and catch- 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 



131 



ing cold. Portable hog houses are very useful for 
this purpose. The old yards should be plowed 
and all litter about the house and yards burned. 






I 



■z 



•v9 : 
4. 



lU 



StO"- 



FIG. 15 — LONGITUDINAL SECTION 




(b'O"- 



SPECIFICATIONS FOR 

LUMBER FOR PORTABLE 

HOG HOUSE 

2 — 2"X4"Xi6'. 
2 — i''X9"Xi6'. 
2— i"x6"Xi6'. 
2 — I"X6"XI2'. 
7— i"X9"Xi6'. 






CROSS SECTION 
PLAN FOR GOODELL PORTABLE HOG HOUSE 



J 



The yards, feeding floors, troughs and hog 
houses must be kept clean. All litter should be re- 
moved daily, and the frequent spraying of the 



132 DISEASES OF SWINE 

hogs, feeding floors, sleeping quarters, etc., with 
a disinfectant is a necessary part of the treatment. 
Lime is one of the most useful of disinfectants, and 
in whitewashing the rough, uneven surfaces about 
the hog houses, it is best to use a spray pump. 
The tar disinfectants should be relied on in de- 
stroying or retarding the development of the germs 
about the feed troughs, floors, etc., and should be 
used in from two to four per cent, solutions. Other 
agents can be used for this purpose, but the two 
mentioned are the most practical and useful. 

Both the sick and well hogs should be fed a 
light, sloppy diet (shorts, bran, etc.). The water 
and slop must not be left in the troughs for the 
hogs to wallow in. Copper sulphate dissolved in 
the slop and drinking-water in the proportion of 
four or five ounces to the barrel may lessen the 
chance for infection through the food supply. 

As soon as a hog comes down with the disease, 
it should be removed to the pens set off for the 
sick animals. These should not communicate in 
any way with the pens where the well hogs are 
kept. 

The dead hogs should be burned. This is not 
a difficult task, if the "body is placed on top of a 
pile of wood that burns quickly and makes a hot 
fire. If disposed of by burying, it should be well 
done and the body covered with lime. However, 
this is not as satisfactory as burning. 

The length of time that the hog houses ■ and 
yards remain infected after the hogs hav^e stopped 



INFECTIOUS DiSEAblib 1 33 

dying, depends on the thoroughness with which 
they are cleaned and disinfected. If the Htter and 
filth are not removed, the germs may live for 
months. All litter about the yards must be 
burned or removed to some place where the hogs 
cannot come in contact with it, and whitewash 
and disinfectants used freely. If the cleaning and 
disinfecting is properly done, fresh hogs may be 
brought onto the premises within a few weeks 
after the disease has been checked without fur- 
ther loss occurring, but it is usually best to wait 
two or three months before stocking up again, or 
depend on the hogs that have survived the disease 
for a fresh start, as there is some danger of a 
second outbreak and the infection continuing for 
a longer time. Where it is practical, the hogs 
should be moved to another part of the farm and 
new and better yards built. 

Serum-Therapy and Vaccination. — For a num- 
ber of years, the Bureau of Animal Industry have 
been experimenting with an anti-hog-cholera 
serum and a vaccine, but satisfactory results from 
this line of treatment have not been reported. In 
the Twentieth Annual Report, Dr. Salmon states 
that this line of experimental work will be continued, 
and at some time in the near future a full report of 
the work of investigation will be issued. 

There are several companies in this country 
manufacturing so-called vaccines and antitoxins. 
The commercial antitoxins are said to contain no 
live hog cholera germs. Such preparations can be 



134 DISEASES OF SWINE 

classed with the so-called hog cholera remedies. 
The preparation of the vaccine and its adminis- 
tration are termed ''methods." The conditions 
under which these so-called methods are used, are 
favorable for the infection of the yards with hog 
cholera germs and the spread of the disease to 
other herds in the neighborhood. Vaccination 
against hog cholera, as it is now used, is not prac- 
tical, and more improved and careful methods of 
handling a vaccine of this nature must be used 
before this line of treatment should be considered. 

Medicinal Treatment. — The medicinal treatment 
of hog cholera has always been unsatisfactory. 
The only good results that seem to have come 
from the so-called ''remedies" and "cures" were 
due to the dieting of both the sick and well hogs, 
and the cleaning and disinfecting of the surround- 
ings. Vast sums of money have been spent for 
hog cholera medicine, but stockmen seem to have 
determined the true value of this line of treatment 
and have almost discarded it. There are a few 
remedies still on the market, but the most of them 
are recommended for other purposes than the cure 
of this disease. 

At present the statement that there is no satis- 
factory medicinal treatment, vaccine, antitoxin, or 
serum for hog cholera is true. Therefore, if hog 
cholera is to be treated, it should be along the line 
of prevention and sanitation — lines of treatment 
that are effective in all infectious diseases belong- 
ing to this class. 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 35 

A DISEASE RESEMBLING HOG CHOLERA 

In Circulars Nos. 41 and 43 of the Bureau of 
Animal Industry is published the description of a 
disease that cannot be distinguished by its symp- 
toms alone from hog cholera. 

During the course of the investigations concern- 
ing hog cholera by de Schweintz and Dorset, cer- 
tain outbreaks were met with, which were appar- 
ently not produced by the germs of hog cholera 
and swine plague. This fact, together with their 
observations of the wide variations in the symp- 
toms and lesions encountered in the different hog 
cholera outbreaks, led them to institute experi- 
ments in order to determine whether or no other 
diseases than hog cholera and swine plague were 
present in the so-caled ''hog cholera" outbreaks. 

Causes. — The specific cause of this disease has 
not been determined. The experimental work has 
shown that the disease can be readily communi- 
cated to healthy pigs by exposing them to diseased 
animals in the usual way. It is apparently, a 
highly contagious disease. The time between the 
exposure and development of the symptoms is 
about the same as in the acute form of hog cholera. 
In fact, the results of the late investigations by the 
Bureau of Animal Industry indicate that the acute 
form of hog cholera is not caused by the hog chol- 
era bacillus, but by the germ of this disease. 

Symptoms and Lesions. — The symptoms and 
post mortem lesions are so similar to the acute 



136 DISEASES OF SWINE 

form of hog- cholera that is unnecessary to re- 
peat the description of them. 

Treatment. — The treatment is along the line of 
prevention and sanitation, the same as in hog 
cholera. 

SWINE PLAGUE 

Swine plague is an infectious disease of swine 
frequently associated with hog cholera. In some 
outbreaks it appears as a septicaemia or blood 
poisoning, but more often as a pneumonia or an 
inflammation of the lungs and pleural membrane, 
which lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. 

History. — It was not until the summer of 1886 
that swine plague was identified as a distinct 
disease. Prior to this time all outbreaks of infec- 
tious swine diseases were supposed to be due to 
the germ of hog cholera. Dr. Theobald Smith 
was the first to investigate swine plague and iso- 
late the specific cause of the disease. He proved 
beyond all doubt the disease-producing properties 
of the germ by inoculating rabbits and hogs with 
pure cultures obtained from outbreaks of swine 
plague. He found it identical with the germ 
described by Loeffler, which produced an infec- 
tious pneumonia fschweincseuche) of hogs in 
Germany. 

A few investigators, especially Dr. Billings, did 
not agree with the results obtained by Smith, and 
a long controversy among the veterinarians in the 
United States, as to whether swine plague existed 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 137 

as a distinct disease, occurred. This controversy 
occupies a prominent place in the history of the 
disease. 

Causes. — The specific cause is the baciUus of 
swine plague, a small rod or oval shaped germ. 
When taken from the diseased tissues, it is about 
.00004 of an inch in length and .000024 of an inch 
in breadth, but in the laboratory when cultivated 
on the different kinds of media and under differ- 
ent conditions, its appearance varies and it may 
ofrow to twice the above dimensions. 

The germ is non-motile and does not grow 
readily, or not at all, on some of the common 
nutrient medias, such as potato and gelatine. It 
grows in the presence of oxygen and cultures pos- 
sess a disagreeable odor. It is not as hardy as 
the hog cholera germ, and if the conditions are not 
favorable for its growth, it soon dies. It is readily 
destroyed by drying and disinfectants. 

Accessory Causes. — x\ttenuated or weakened 
varieties of the swine plague germ are frequently 
found in the air passages of healthy hogs. For 
this reason, the germ is widely distributed, but 
unless the animal is debilitated, or the activity of 
the germ increased in some way, it does not pro- 
duce disease. A frequent method of infection 
occurs through susceptible animals coming in con- 
tact with swine having a mil:l form of the disease. 
Isolated cases of swine plague are more or less 
common, but there is always danger of its spread- 
ing rapidly under favorable conditions. Its dis- 



138 DISEASES OF SWINE 

tribution depends to some extent on the same con- 
ditions as those mentioned in connection with the 
hog cholera germ. 

People, dogs, and birds are not important agents 
in the distribntion of the disease, and it does not 
seem to spread readily through the food supply 
and as a result of filth. Buying hogs from infect- 
ed herds and exposure to the disease at stock 
shows and fairs are, perhaps, the most common 
method of distributing the disease. Wind and 
dust are common carriers of the swine plague 
germ, and during dry, windy weather in the fall 
of the year, swine plague may spread rapidly 
among the hogs in a neighborhood and exist as a 
distinct disease. Irritation to the lungs from dust 
and lung wonns seem to act indirectly in causing it. 

Period of Incubation. — The time that elapses be- 
tween the exposure and appearance of the symp- 
toms is shorter than in hog cholera. If the swine 
plague germs are active, they multiply very rapid- 
ly in the system and produce disease in a short 
time. 

Symptoms. — In the large majority oi cases, 
there is no noticeable difference between the 
symptoms of hog cholera and swine plague. It is 
only when the lungs are extensively inflamed, that 
the stockman, or veterinarian is able to differ- 
entiate between the two diseases by studying the 
symptoms alone. The recognition of swine plague 
is based largely on such symptoms as coughing, 
and labored, painful, and oppressed breathing, 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 139 

while in hog cholera it is based largely on the 
intestinal symptoms. , , „ j 

In the acute form, the hog is depresse,!, dull and 
feverish. The body temperature is very high (io6 
to 100°) The skin appears flushed, the anmial is 
weak and ^staggers when it walks, and the breathing 
is heavy. The hog is usually seen lying down, may 
be unable to get on its feet, and acts stupid and 
sleepy. This sleepy, comatose condition may end m 
death, or death occurs in a convulsion. The course 
of the disease is from one day to a week. 

The chronic form shows a more characteristic train 
of symptoms. At the beginning the hog may be- 
have the same as in the acute form. Usually the 
symptoms are not nearly as severe. The appetite 
is impaired, the body temperature elevated the 
back arched, abdomen tucked up and the flanks 
hollow The animal behaves in a dull, stupid 
manner and shows symptoms of a serious respi- 
ratory disease, such as labored, difticult breathing 
and coughing. If the sides of the chest are 
pressed on, it causes the animal severe pain. 
Friction sounds may be heard on placing the ear 
against the chest walls. 

The bowels usually become constipated and the 
ho- loses flesh very rapidly, and finally becomes 
so weak that it is unable to get on its feet and 
walk. In the latter stages it may be seen lying 
on its side in a stupor, and when moved will 
squeal and show other symptoms of pain. lUe 



140 DISEASES OF SWINE 

reddened condition of the skin and visible mucous 
membranes is very noticeable. 

In most outbreaks of swine plague, a smaller 
per cent, of the herd becomes affected than in hog 
cholera. Recovery seldom occurs. The disease 
frequently takes on the chronic form. 

Lesions. — The lung and pleural lesions predom- 
inate. The inflammation of the lungs is limited 
to certain lobules, unless it is in the very acute 
cases. The lining membrane of the bronchial 
tubes is inflamed and the smaller tubules are 
filled with inflammatory exudates. Not over one- 
fourth of the lung tissue may be diseased. All 
stages of pneumonia may be present. On cutting 
across the lung, the section usually appears mot- 
tled with grayish red and reddish yellow areas. 

Inflammation of the pleura is a very constant 
lesion. The membrane covering the lungs may 
be reddened, thickened and adherent to the chest 
walls. Other parts may present the same appear- 
ance. False membranes sometimes form and give 
the pleura a roughened appearance. In some 
cases it is greatly changed. The sack surrounding 
the heart (pericardium) is diseased in very much 
the same way as the pleural membrane. 

The mucous membrane of the stomach and in- 
testines is reddened, congested and inflamed in the 
majority of hogs that die of swine plague. In 
some cases ulceration occurs. The ulcers dififer 
somewhat from the hog cholera ulcers in that they 



INFFXTIOUS DISEASES I4I 

are more excavated and less elevated and button like. 
The peritoneum is frequently inflamed. 

Preventive Treatment. — The preventive meas- 
ures in swine plague are along somewhat the same 
lines as in hog cholera. However, the most dan- 
gerous source of infection is from animals coming 
from diseased herds, or from healthy herds com- 
ing in contact, either directly or indirectly, with 
the disease at stock shows, fairs, etc. Unsanitary 
conditions seem to play a less important part in 
the spread of this disease than in hog cholera. 

Hygienic Measures Necessary in the Treatment 
of Swine Plague. — The swine plague germ has 
less vitality than the hog cholera germ, hence it is 
more readily destroyed. It is largely due to this 
fact that the disease can be controlled. Cleaning 
and disinfecting the pens, hog houses, etc., and the 
separation of the sick from the well animals are 
the necessary measures in the treatment and control 
of this disease. In general the hygenic treatment dif- 
fers but little from that recommended for hog cholera. 

Serum Therapy and Vaccination. — Serums and 
so-called antitoxines have proven unsatisfactory in 
the treatment of swine plague. The same is true 
of vaccines. 

Medicinal Treatment. — The medicinal treatment 
has always been along the same line as in hog 
cholera, and has not given satisfactory results. 
This line of treatment should not be permitted to 
draw the attention from sounder and more eco- 



142 DISEASES OF SWINE 

nomical measures. At present, we must depend on 
prevention and sanitary measures in combating 
this disease. 

INFECTIOUS SORE MOUTH IN PIGS— NECROTIC 

STOMATITIS 

Infectious sore mouth is a common disease of 
pigs. It usually occurs in young pigs from a few 
days to a few weeks old and is highly contagious. 
Heavy losses are frequently reported from this 
disease. 

Causes. — The specific cause of this disease is 
the necrosis bacillus. This germ is widely dis- 
tributed and is said to be a normal inhabitant of 
the hog's intestines. It is commonly found in the 
manure around the hog houses and in filth, and is 
frequently associated with other ulcerative and ne- 
crotic processes than that of the mouth. 

Filthy quarters is the one condition that favors 
the development of the disease. Damp, wet, 
muddy yards are favorable conditions for the 
spreading of the infection, but infection may occur 
quite readily in dusty yards. Under such con- 
ditions the teats of the mother become soiled with 
filth containing the germs of the disease. A com- 
mon method of spreading the disease is by af- 
fected pigs nursing and infecting the teats of 
mothers having healthy litters. 

The germ does not develop on a healthy mucous 
membrane. Opportunity for developing in the 
mouth of the pig is afforded by some slight 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 43 

wound on the lining membrane, or the Inflam- 
mation and irritation to the part caused by the 
eruption of the teeth. Age Is an important pre- 
disposing factor, as the disease is usually seen 
in pigs under two months of age. 

Symptoms. — At the beginning of the disease, 
pigs that are nursing the mother are careless of 
the teat and may refuse to nurse. Older animals 
show a falling off in the appetite and eat sparingly. 
The animal is feverish and acts dull. On ex- 
amining the mouth at this time, the lining mem- 
brane shows several Inflamed patches, usually on 
the gum and lips. In the early stages the inflamed 
parts are a deep red color and swollen. Some- 
times the snout and lips are badly swollen and 
the breathing is interfered Vv^ith. Later the in- 
flamed patches become necrotic and ulcers form. 
In this stage the part becomes whitish or yellow- 
ish white in color toward the central part of the 
area, and inflamed and thickened at the margins. 
The necrotic tissue soon sloughs off and deep, cav- 
ernous depressions or ulcers form. These may in- 
volve several of the teeth, or a large portion of the 
lips and snout. The opening of the mouth causes 
the animal a great deal of pain and the breath has 
a disagreeable odor. Salivation is sometimes 
noticed. 

As the pig is weak, feverish and unable to 
suckle, it soon becomes greatly emaciated. It is 
usually seen standing or lying down in the pen, 
or in some quiet place. It moves about but little 



144 DISEASES OF SWINE 

and acts dull and stupid. The latter symptoms are 
due to the poisonous products manufactured by 
the germs, and the efifect they have on the nervous 
system, as well as the weakened, debilitated con- 
dition. 

The disease usually terminates in from three 
to ten days. The loss in the herd is frequently 
fifty per cent., and, if the conditions favor the 
development of the disease, it is even more fatal. 
Cases that make a recovery are generally stunted, 
or deformed about the face and lips. 

Treatment. — Preventive measures are very im- 
portant. They should be carried out along two 
lines: (i) keeping the hog house and yards in a 
sanitary condition by removing the manure and 
other filth, and the occasional disinfection of the 
hog house; (2) not allowing an infected pig to mix 
with the herd. 

As soon as the disease breaks out in a litter, 
both the mother and the pigs should be separated 
from the herd. The affected pigs can be treated 
by dipping them head foremost into a four per 
cent, water solution of some reliable tar disinfect- 
ant, or permanginate of potassium, one ounce to a 
gallon of water, can be used. A more thorough 
way to treat them is to wash out the mouth by 
injecting the solution directly into it with a 
syringe. It is advisable to use this method wher- 
ever practical, and especially in advanced cases. 
It is also advisable to clean the ulcerated parts by 
scraping away the dead tissue and rubbing the 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES I45 

surface of the ulcer with huiar caustic. The above 
treatment should be repeated twice a day in ad- 
vanced cases, and in mild ones once a day. It 
should be kept up for as long a time as neces- 
sary. A small teaspoonful of flowers of sulphur, drop- 
ped into the mouth of the affected pig, Is recom- 
mended as a treatment for this disease. 

It Is usually more economical to kill the badly 
diseased pigs than it is to treat them, as they are 
apt to scatter the disease and become badly stunted 
or deformed. 

TUBERCULOSIS 

The abattoir statistics published by the Bureau 
of Animal Industry show that tuberculosis is a 
fairly common disease of swine, and it Is no doubt 
on the increase In this country, especially In dairy 
sections, where the skim milk from the dairy Is 
fed to hogs. Statistics show that tuberculosis in 
hogs varies according to the prevalence of the 
disease among cattle, showing that the milk from 
tubercular cows is the common source of this af- 
fection. It is not so prevalent in the United 
States as in some European countries. 

In the abattoir generalized tuberculosis is more 
commonly found in fat, heavy hogs than In light 
ones. In most cases they appear to be in perfect 
health, and it is on post mortem examination that 
the diseased condition of the body is recognized. 
This is one of the peculiarities of the disease, and 
it is because of the slow progress and the absence 



146 DISEASES OF SWINE 

in most cases of noticeable symptoms that so lit- 
tle attention is given it. 

Causes. — The specific cause is bacillus tuber- 
culosis, which was first described by Koch in 1882. 
The bacilli occur in the form of slender rods 
having rounded ends singly, in pairs, or in small 
bundles. They are found in the nodules and 
tubercles, which they produce in the tissues. 
There is, perhaps, no disease producing germ that 
undergoes greater modifications in form and char- 
acter under various conditions and environments. 
Even in the same animal, it may take on different 
forms. There is a wide variation in the types 
of the germ. It does not form spores, but vacuoles. 

The most important factor in the production 
of tuberculosis in hogs is the presence of the 
disease among dairy cattle. The milk from a 
single tubercular herd, when taken to the cream- 
ery, may infect a large number of hogs in the 
neighborhood through the skim-milk, buttermilk, 
and slops. The percentage of tubercular hogs is 
greater in places where dairying is an important 
industry than in other sections of the country, 
a condition that proves beyond a doubt the above 
method of infection. A common source of the 
disease in young pigs, is through the milk of a 
tubercular mother. 

The feeding of offal to hogs, as is frequently 
the practice at the country slaughter-house, will 
cause the disease, because of the germs of tuber- 
culosis sometimes present in the carcasses, or 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 147 



portions of the carcasses, eaten by the animals. 
Infection may also occur through the inspired air, 
and when hogs affected with tuberculosis are 
introduced into the herd, all the hogs in the pen 
may contract the disease. 

Such conditions as act unfavorably on the con- 
stitution of the pig will, if the germs are present, 
favor the development of the disease. Close pens, 
filth, unnatural bringing up, early forcing, etc., 
all favor its development. Improved breeds of 
swine are said to contract tuberculosis more 
readily than the common breeds. Infection has 
been known to occur by way of wounds, especially 

castration. 

Symptoms.— In pigs that have become diseased 
by sucking a tubercular mother, marked symp- 
toms of intestinal and generalized tuberculosis 
may be manifested. The pig becomes stunted, 
"pot bellied," and very thin. The skin and coat 
present a very unthrifty appearance, and the skin 
is usually dirty looking and covered with crusts. 
Digestive disorders, such as diarrhoea, bloating, 
and vomiting, occur. At times the pig is feverish, 
refuses to eat, and finally becomes very weak. 
Pressure on the abdomen may cause the animal 
pain, and, sometimes, hard, knotty masses representing 
bunches of tubercles are felt. 

In case the lungs are involved, the animal 
coughs and the breathing may be quick and 
labored. These symptoms become more marked 
as the disease progresses. In the latter stages. 



148 DISEASES OF SWINE 

the pig may have choking spells. Abnormal lung 
sounds are heard on auscultation. 

In tuberculosis of the brain, nervous symptoms, 
such as turning round and round, convulsions, 
spasms of muscles and paralysis, occur. The 
head may be held obliquely, the snout drawn to 
one side, and the ears allowed to droop. Certain 
parts of the body or groups of muscles are usually 
involved. 

The course of generalized tuberculosis is short 
in young pigs, but may last for months in older 
ones. When the disease is localized and the tis- 
sue changes in the vital organs are not advanced 
or extensive enough to seriously interfere with 
the body functions, the true nature of the disease 
is not recognized until after the animal is slaugh- 
tered. 

Lesions. — The changes in the tissues following 
the invasion of the bacillis tuberculosis are the 
formation of nodules or tubercules, gray or yel- 
lowish white in color, or translucent in character. 
In some cases the nodules are distinct and easily 
recognized, but in advanced cases they often come 
together and form a mass of tubercular tissue. 

In the beginning the tubercle consists of a few 
cells surrounding the invading germs. These are 
soon enclosed in a zone of epitheloid and giant 
cells, which in turn become surrounded by a 
layer of lymphoid cells. The central portion of 
the tubercle soon dies and breaks down, and as 
the nodule enlarges, the necrotic portion gradually 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 49 

increases. When cut into, the diseased tissue 
is usually yellowish and cheesy in character. 
Sometimes, it is indurated and almost as hard as 
cartilage. Calcareous degeneration of the nodules 
is not often seen in hogs, as the lesions are seldom 
of long enough standing for this degenerative 
change to occur. 

As the disease is nearly always contracted by 
the ingestion of infected food, the digestive ap- 
paratus and lymphatic glands (pharyngeal and 
submaxillary) are commonly involved. The lym- 
phatic glands become enlarged, knotty, and hard. 
When cut open, they are made up largely of old, 
fibrous tissue, with yellowish, caseous centers 
scattered through it. Ulcers and small nodules 
may be found in the intestinal walls and scattered 
through the liver tissue, or larger nodules, vary- 
ing in size from that of a pea to a hazel nut, 
tough and yellowish white in color, may occur. 
The peritoneum is sometimes the seat of fine 
granulations and lesions of the same nature, as 
mentioned as existing in the liver, may be found 
in the lungs, spleen, and other interal organs. 
In oreneralized cases the muscles are sometimes 
affected. 

Treatment. — The only successful method of com- 
batting the disease is along the line of prevention. 
The hogs should be kept in as healthy a condition 
as possible by giving them proper care, feed, and 
surroundings. Muddy, filthy pens are favorable 
for infection, and well-drained pens, clean troughs, 



150 DISEASES OF SWINE 

feeding floors, and sleeping quarters are unfavor- 
able. Crowded quarters are also favorable for the 
production of the disease. All possible precautions 
against infection through the food supply should 
be taken. Feeding hogs on the offal from the 
slaughter-house and the carcasses of other animals 
is especially harmful, and should not be practiced. 
The feeding of skim milk and slops from a dairy, 
known to have tuberculosis is a very dangerous 
practice, and is sure to bring about a diseased con- 
dition of the herd. In cows, the disease can be 
recognized by means of the tuberculin test, and 
the affected animals can then be destroyed. In 
this way a healthy herd of dairy cattle can then 
be established, and all danger of contracting 
tuberculosis from this source, at least, is avoided. 
Hogs known to have tuberculosis should be 
destroyed, and their carcasses disposed of in a 
suitable manner. If the herd is known to be in- 
fected with this disease to any great extent, it 
should be disposed of and a new herd started with 
animals known to be healthy. It is also best to 
build new yards, as it is impossible to clean up the 
former quarters and eliminate all danger of re- 
infection from this source. 

RABIES— HYDROPHOBIA 

Rabies is one of the oldest known infectious 
diseases. Hogs do not suffer as extensively from 
it as do horses, cattle, and dogs, but wherever 



1 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES I5I 

an extensive outbreak of rabies occurs, hogs as well 
as other animals are reported as dying of the 
disease. 

Rabies is a very widespread disease. It is very 
common in most European countries, and is known 
to exist in nearly every part of the United States. 
Australia is the only country in which the disease, 
as far as known, does not exist. England is said 
to be comparatively free from it. The freedom from 
the disease in the latter countries is due to the con- 
trol that the authorities have over the disease, by the 
rigid enforcement of the quarantine regulations 
against dogs (Australia), and the enforcement of 
the proper regulations against dogs running at 
large. The disease is no doubt on the increase 
in this country. 

Causes. — Rabies is caused by a specific micro- 
organism that is known to exist in the brain, 
spinal cord, and saliva of the affected animal. 
So far, investigators have not been able to isolate 
and study the specific factor, but its presence in 
the above tissues is an accepted fact. 

The disease is spread by inoculation, usually by 
the bite of a rabid dog. Wild, as well as domesti- 
cated carnivorous animals, when rabid, may spread 
the disease by biting other animals. It is claimed 
by some that the specific factor of rabies is not 
present in the saliva of animals other than the 
carnivorous. At least, it is true that they are 
prone to bite and have a good opportunity to at- 
tack people and farm animals when affected, hence 



152 DISEASES OF SWINE 

dogs must be considered the principal factor in the 
spread of the disease. Some writers state that 
the bite of a rabid hog may produce the disease. 

In hogs a large per cent, of the animals bitten 
develop the disease. The average period of incu- 
bation is from two to three weeks. 

Symptoms. — Rabies in swine is characterized 
by very much the same train of symptoms as de- 
velop in other animals. Two forms of rabies, 
the furious and dumb, occur. The furious is the 
more common in hogs. The animal is very rest- 
less and excited. If lying down in the litter, it 
may jump up suddenly, squeal and run about as if 
pursued. Sometimes, it backs up into a corner of 
the pen. The animal is very nervous and easily 
startled. If a person enters the pen, it will run 
at him. The eyes are at times fixed, or are rolled 
about, and there is an abundant secretion of saliva 
which dribbles from his mouth. Frequently it 
will gnaw the boards around the pen, make desperate 
efforts to get out, swallow indigestible objects, and 
attempt to bite other animals. Paralysis soon comes 
on, the hog has difficulty in swallowing and is unable 
to move about. 

The duration of the disease is short. Paralysis 
comes on early in the attack, and the animal is 
seen lying or hiding in the litter and pays no at- 
tensian to its surroundings. It does not become 
excited when approached, is very weak, and dies 
in a few days. 

Lesions. — The tissue changes are not constant 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 53 

or specific. A congested condition of the mucous 
membrane lining the pharynx, larynx, and stomach, 
enlargement of the spleen, and a congested con- 
dition of the brain are sometimes present. Be- 
cause of the desire to swallow indigestible objects, 
foreign objects, such as stones, straw, pieces of 
wood, etc., are frequently found in the stomach. 

The most constant lesions are microscopic in 
character. These are present in the nerve tissue, 
especially in the gra}^ matter surounding the 
cerebro-spinal canal, and consist of a hyperemia, 
pigmentation, proliferation, and degeneration of 
the cellular structure. 

Treatment. — The treatment of hogs in any way 
is not practical. As soon as the animal develops 
rabies it should be destroyed, or isolated, in order 
to prevent any possible spread of the disease to 
the other animals in the pen. Stray dogs should 
be regarded with suspicion and not allowed to 
loiter around the premises, or taken care of in the 
proper manner, as it is the rabid dog, not manifest- 
ing marked symptoms of disease, and allowed to 
stay around the premises and mix with the stock, 
that is the most dangerous. 

INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS 

Inflammation of the joints is a disease of young 
pigs from a few days to a few^ weeks old. It is 
caused by germs entering the body by way of 
the naval cord. Other tissues of the body besides 
the joints may be involved. 



154 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Causes. — Filthy breeding pens can be considered 
the primary cause. In such surroundings there is 
danger of the umbiHcal cord becoming infected 
with the proper disease producing germs, as it 
is moist and soon becomes soiled and covered with 
filth. When the pigs once have the disease, it 
usually recurs in the successive crops of pigs, 
unless the pens are cleaned and disinfected. Some- 
times it spreads to other herds in the neighbor- 
hood and causes heavy losses. 

Symptoms. — The affected joints are swollen and 
painful. Abscesses may form in different parts 
of the body, usually about the naval opening. 
In case the abscess at the umbilical opening is 
large, it may discharge its contents into the 
abdominal cavity, and cause the death of the ani- 
mal. It is not uncommon, however, for it to 
break on the outside. Sometimes, abscesses form 
in the joints and break. In severe cases the in- 
testines and other internal organs are affected and 
the pig is constipated, or has a diarrhoea. 

In mild cases the pig is lame and weak, but 
continues to suckle the mother. After a time it 
will • become stunted, unless cared for, and may 
finally die. If the intestines are involved and the 
joints badly inflamed, the appetite is lost and the 
pig is feverish and weak. Death generally follows 
within a few days. 

Treatment. — This is largely preventive. The 
breeding pens should be clean, dry, and well 
lighted. If the disease exists in the herd, the pens 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1 55 

should be thoroughly disinfected and all litter 
removed to a place where the hogs do not come 
in contact with it. In addition, the sows should 
not be permitted to farrow close to an affected lit- 
ter, or in a pen where an affected litter has been 
kept. 

The pigs can be treated by washing the um- 
bilical cord with a strong solution of carbolic 
acid (ten per cent, or more), or some of the 
tar disinfectants. If the disease is present in the 
herd, this should be practiced as soon as the 
pigs are born. Such treatment causes the cord 
to dry up, and the entrance of germs into the 
tissues is prevented. The diarrhoea and abscesses 
should receive the proper treatment. 

SIMPLE SEPTICEMIA AND PYEMIA 

There is no essential difference between sep- 
ticaemia and pyaemia, and writers classify all blood 
poisoning as a septicaemia, as the immediate cause 
of the diseased changes in the tissues are due to 
the action of the toxic substances, produced by 
the invading microorganisms. 

The difference in the symptoms and diseased 
changes in the tissues occurring in blood poison- 
ing is due to the extent in which the tissues are 
invaded, and the nature of the disease-producing 
agent. The germs sometimes enter the system 
by way of a wound and are distributed through- 
out the body by the blood. In case of pyo- 
genic bacteria, abscesses form in different parts 



156 DISEASES OF SWINE 

of the body. This is the most common form of 
blood poisoning in swine. Local abscesses are not 
uncommon. 'At other times the germs do not 
overrun the tissues, but remain at the wound or 
point of inoculation. Here they develop and pro- 
duce toxic or poisonous substances that may 
exert a local or general poisonous effect on the 
tissues of the body. This may produce profound 
general shock to the system, or inflammation of 
certain organs. Several different forms of bacteria 
may be present in this disease. 

Causes. — The forms usually encountered are mi- 
crococci, especially staphylococcus albus and 
aureus, streptococci, and a few bacilli. These 
germs enter the tissues through bruises or abra- 
sions in the skin, and extensive wounds. The op- 
portunity hogs have to become infected through 
their surroundings is of great importance, and is 
responsible for the abscesses occurring in this 
class of farm animals. Infection sometimes fol- 
lows castration, or other operations, when care- 
lessly performed and not cared for properly. 
Blood poisoning is not rare as a result of putri- 
factive changes in the womb following an inflam- 
mation of the organ, or as a result of retention of 
the foetus. 

Symptoms. — Unless the symptoms follow an 
extensive infection resulting from a difficult birth, 
an operation, or a large wound, the symptoms 
are not connected with a disease of this nature. 
When the infection occurs through a bruise or a 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 157 

slight abrasion in the skin, the part becomes in- 
flamed, swollen, or oedematous. An abscess may 
also form. In case an open wound is infected, it 
may become badly swollen, the granulations, red 
and unhealthy in appearance, and pus and other 
secretions collect on its surface. 

The body temperature may be elevated and the 
appetite impaired. Muscular tremors are some- 
times noticed and the hog is dull and stupid. In 
serious cases of the disease, the animal lies 
around in the pens, weeds, or in some quiet, cool 
place. It becomes very weak and emaciated. 
Death occurs in a short time= However, in most 
cases of general blood poisoning recovery occurs, 
and the hog soon improves in condition. 

Treatment. — The treatment is mostly preventive 
and consists in giving wounds the proper atten- 
tion, especially if extensive. Antiseptic precau- 
ti-ons should be observed, as recommended in all 
operations. Abscesses should be opened as soon 
as formed, and at the lowest point, in order to 
permit proper drainage. The after treatment con- 
sists in washing the part with a two per cent, 
water solution of some reliable disinfectant, once 
a day for a short time. The opening should not 
be permitted to close until the cavity has filled 
in. Large wounds should be attended to care- 
fully and kept clean by washing them with a dis- 
infectant wash and dusting the surface with 
powdered disinfectants (boric acid, calomel, etc.). 
All dead tissue in the wound must be removed. 



158 DISEASES OF SWINE 

111 local blood poisoning, the above treatment 
is all that is necessary. In case the disease is 
generalized, internal treatment should be given. 
Alcohol, salicylate of soda, and quinine are the 
drugs generally given. Plenty of clean drinking- 
water should be allowed. The animal should be 
given a comfortable pen and coaxed to eat easily 
digested and nutritious food, in order to help in 
keeping up its strength. 



PART IV 



PARASITIC DISEASES 



THE HOG LOUSE 

Hccmatopinus siiis—L'nmxus 



The hog louse is the only common external 
parasite of swine. As well as the largest, it is 
the most common louse found on domestic ani- 
mals, and because of its size and the thinness of 
the hog's coat, can be readily seen. It is general y 
found on the thin parts of the skin (back of the 
ears, on the inside of the thighs, etc.) that are 
more easily penetrated by the mouth parts of the 
parasite. Unthrifty pigs and adults may become 
badly infested, but on thrifty, active annuals he 
invasion is not as great because of their abihty 
to resist it. Lice are seldom found on hogs that 
have been shipped some distance, especially dur- 
ing the warm weather. The coat affords the lice 
but little protection, and they become dislodge, 
when hogs are crowded together and sprinkled 

with water. 

Description.-The hog louse is a blood-sucking 
parasite and the largest species of the family. The 
female, when grown, is fully one-fourth of an inch 
long, bttt the male is smaller. The latter is also 
distinguished by a dark streak on the middle and 
ventral surface of the last three abdominal scg- 



1 62 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



ments. The general color of the louse is gray, 
with the margins of the head, thorax, and abdomen 
dark. 

The eggs are found in large numbers attached 
to the hair in the region of the ears, shoulders, 
and thighs. They are slightly yellowish or dusky 
white in color, somewhat oval in shape, tapering 
toward the point of attachment and large at tjie 




FIG. l6 — A HOG LOUSE AND HAIR WITH EGGS ATTACHED 



free end, the lid of which is forced open by the 
young louse when it is ready to leave the egg. 
The period of hatching is probably from one to 
three weeks. 

Source of Infection. — This pest is widely dis- 
tributed. Hogs become infested by coming in con- 
tact with lousy hogs, or when kept in pens and 
hog houses that have been occupied by such ani- 



PARASITIC DISEASES 163 

nials. A very common source of infestion is the 
buying of stock hogs from infested herds and 
allowing them to mix with the herd without de- 
stroying the lice and eggs that are on them. 
The thinness of the coat enables the animal to 
brush off the lice, and they become scattered 
around the premises and crawl onto other ani- 
mals whenever the opportunity offers. The tumble- 
down, dirty hog houses, sheds and old straw stacks 
that are often used as quarters for hogs, when once 
infested with lice, become centers of infection, unless 
radical steps are taken to destroy the pest. 

Injurious Results. — Whenever a large number 
of lice are present on a hog, they cause a great 
amount of irritation, and the animal becomes 
restless and does not feed as well as common 
For this reason growth and thriftiness are inter- 
fered with. Pigs suffer more than older animals. 
The irritation to the thin parts of the skin is 
sometimes quite noticeable, and some authors state 
that the hog louse is one cause of urticaria (rash 
or heat sores). However, when such a condition 
occurs, it is generally caused by the application 
of a remedy to destroy the lice. 

The unthrifty condition is not as marked in 
strong, healthy herds as it is in diseased, poorly 
cared-for ones. The coat becomes thin and 
rubbed off, and the skin dirty (and more or less 
covered with scales and sores. There is no 
positive evidence that the hog louse can convey 
disease-producing germs from one animal to another. 



164 DISEASES OF SWINE 

However, some writers believe that lice are important 
agents in the spread of hog cholera. 

Treatment. — The habits of hogs, and the diffi- 
culty in destroying the lice scattered around the 
hog houses and yards make it a task to free a 
herd from lice. Those on the bodies of the hogs 
are easily destroyed by dipping, spraying, or 
sprinkling with such remedies as the tar disin- 
fectants, kerosene emulsion, and the different 
preparations used for dipping sheep. Eut unless 
the necessary precautions are taken against re- 
infection from the surroundings, the relief is only 
temporary. 

Two per cent, water solutions of the tar dis- 
infectants are the best remedies for lice. They 
are best applied by dipping and in large herds 
a dipping tank is a necessity. In order to kill 
the young lice that have hatched from the eggs, 
the hogs should be dipped two or three times at 
intervals of about two weeks. There should be 
enough of the solution to cover the animal, when 
it jumps into the tank. 

Kerosene emulsion is usually applied with a 
spray pump or sprinkling can. The following 
formula can be used : Hard soap, one pound ; kero- 
sene, two gallons, and water, four gallons. One part 
of the emulsion to eight parts of water can be used. 
Five parts of water and one of kerosene may be used 
if the spray pump has an attachment for mixing 
the oil and water. Water solutions of the tar 
disinfectants may be applied in the same way as 



PARASITIC DISEASES 



165 



the above, but are not as effective as when used 
as a dip. When these methods are used, the hogs 
should be crowded into a small pen and kept 
moving .about so that they will rub against one 




FIG. 17 — DIPPING TANK 

another. Kerosene remedies should not be used 
during the day and the pigs allowed to run in 
the hot sun, as there is danger of the skin be- 
coming irritated. A better time is in the evening. 
The necessary precautions against reinfection 



1 66 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



are as follows: After dipping the hogs, they 
should be moved to quarters that they have not 
had access to for some time. This should be done 




LONGITUDINAL SECTION 




GROUND PLAN. SCALE V-F - 




SPECIFICATIONS FOR LUMBER FOR 
DIPPING TANK 

2_2"Xl2"Xl6'.~^ 






4 — 2"XI2"XI2' 

2 — i"X 6"Xi6' 

W'6^ 2— l"X 6"XI2'. J 

CROSS SECTION 

FIG. 18 — PLAN FOR GOODELL DIPPING TANK 

whenever possible. The pens and hog houses 
can be sprayed with the same remedies recom- 
mended for destroying the lice. All litter around 
the hog houses and pens must be burned, or re- 



PARASITIC DISEASES 167 

moved to a place where the hogs do not have 
access to. Unless the yards are clean and well 
kept, we cannot get rid of them by destroying the 
lice on the hogs and paying no attention to the 
surroundings-. 

THE COMMON ROUND WORM 

Ascaris Suilla — Duj. 

The common round worm is a parasite of the 
small intestine. Occasionally a few of these' 
worms drift along with the alimentary matter into 
the large intestine, but their presence here is ac- 
cidental and they finally pass out with the ex- 
crement. It is not uncomnion to find common 
round worms in the stomach of a hog that has 
been dead for a short time, and when a large 
number are present, they may pass on into the 
oesophagus. This is due to the reverse peristalsis 
of the intestines, or the movement of the worms 
themselves. The digestive juices in the stomach 
will in a short time destroy them, and they are 
unable to become a parasite of this part of the 
digestive tract. Many stockmen have erroneous 
ideas regarding this parasite. 

Description. — ^The body of the common round 
worm is pinkish or yellowish white in color, smooth, 
firm, land elastic, and tapering toward the extremi- 
ties, the head end being more tapering than the 
caudal extremity. The female, when grown, will 
average about eleven inches in length, and the male 
about seven inches. The latter can be readily dis- 



i68 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



tingnished from the female by its curved caudal 
extremity. 

The ova, or eggs, are about one four-hundredths 
of an inch in length. 

Source of Infection. — The eggs of the female be- 




FIG. 19 — COMMON ROUND WORMS 

come mixed with the alimentary matter and pass out 
of the intestines with the excrement, and become 
scattered over the pens and pastures. Infection oc- 
curs by taking the eggs containing well-developed 



PARASITIC DISEASES 



169 



embryonic worms into the digestive tract along with 
the food. Such conditions as favor the contamina- 
tion of the food with the embryos, especially the 
drinking-water, are the main predisposing causes. 
Young and unthrifty hogs, because of their con- 
dition, are predisposed to intestinal worms. Feeding 
hogs on dirty feeding floors, or on the ground, and 
drinking from ponds and dirty watering troughs, are 
the common sources of infection. 




FIG. 20 — ROUND WORMS IN A PIECE OF INTESTINE 

Symptoms. — The symptoms are iiot characteristic 
enough to enable us to diagnose this particular form 
of intestinal parasitism, unless the worms are pres- 
ent in the feces. The character of the symptoms 
depend on the extent of the invasion. When only a 
few forms are present, but little disturbance in the 
thriftiness of the animal is noted. But large num- 
bers cause the lining membrane of the intestine to 



170 DISEASES OF SWINE 

become irritated and inflamed, and obstruct tbe pass- 
age of the food along the canal. The resulting 
symptoms are those of acute or chronic indigestion, 
and in young and poorly cared-for animals the 
diseased condition is marked. Pigs are sometimes 
very restless because of the irritation to the in- 
testines, and may show other symptoms of a nervous 
character. 

. With proper care and feeding, pigs become strong 
and healthy enough to throw off the parasites. In 
thrifty hogs round worms are not found in large 
numbers and cause no apparent harm to their host. 

THE THORN-HEADED WORM 

EcIiinorhyncJius Gigas — Goeze 

Hogs are the only domestic animals that act as 
hosts for the thorn-headed worm. The species found 
in hogs, in the adult stage, is a parasite of the small 
intestine, sometimes of the large, and is usually 
found fixed 'to' the intestinal wall by means of its 
hooked proboscis, from which the name thorn- 
headed is derived. This parasite is not as common 
as the round worm, and it is unusual to find more 
than five or six of them in the intestines of any one 
animal. It is frequently found associated with the 
former, but is easily distinguished from it. How- 
ever, the loss caused by it is no doubt large. 

Description. — The thorn-'headed worm is milky 
white in color, irregularly wrinkled transversely, 
and gradually tapering to a blunt point at the 
posterior extremity. The general shape of the body 



PARASITIC DISEASES I7I 

is cylindrical, with the greatest diameter toward the 
anterior part. At the anterior extremity is a re- 
tractile proboscis armed with six rows of hooks, by 
means of which it attaches itself to the intestinal 
wall. 

The average length of the female is about eleven 
inches ; that of the male, from two and a half to 
three inches. 

The eggs average about one two-hundred-and- 




FIO. 21 — MALE THORN-HEADED WORM ATTACHED TO WALL OF 

INTESTINE 

fiftieth of an inch in length, and are smooth and 
somewhat cylindrical in shape. 

Source of Infection. — The development of the 
thorn-headed worm requires an intermediate host, 
the larvae of the May beetle, or some other in- 
vertebrate form, in which they encyst. The female 
deposits her eggs in the hog's intestines, and they 
pass out along with the excrement. In this way 



172 DISEASES OF SWINE 

they accumulate in manure heaps, and become scat- 
tered over the hog lots and pastures. The eggs or 
ova containing embryonic worms are eaten by white 
grubs, in which they encyst. The white grubs are 
in turn eaten by the hog, the larvse of the thorn- 
headed worm are liberated by the digestive juices, 
and become a parasite of the small intestine, where 
they develop into mature parasites. 

It is necessary, then, for the hog to eat a white 
grub, possibly some other invertebrate, that is in- 
fected with the larval form of the parasite before it 
can become infected. Hence it is in old hog lots and 
pastures, around manure heaps and in clover fields 
where grubs are plentiful, that hogs sufifer most 
from thorn-headed worms. 

Symptoms. — The worm is usually found with its 
head end buried more or less deeply in the walls of 
the intestine. The irritation to the tissues at the point 
of attachment is severe, and, when a number of 
worms are present, the intestines appear badly irri- 
tated. It may not remain in one place, but drift to 
different parts. The former places of attachment, 
if recent, are marked by local areas of inflamed tis- 
sue. These red, thickened, hard areas are usually 
albout a quarter of an inch or more across, and have 
a central depression, which marks the point where 
the hooked head was imbedded. The entire thick- 
ness of the intestinal wall may be involved. 

Some writers state that perforation of the in- 
testine sometimes occur. We should doubt the 
truth of this statement. Whenever a hog's in- 



PARASITIC DISEASES I73 

tes'tines are badly irritated and inflamed by either 
the common round or thorn-headed worm, they 
tear easily when handled, because of the inflamma- 
tory changes. The worms may drop through the 
torn part into the abdominal cavity, and the break 
in the wall is mistaken for a perforation. Stock- 
men frequently describe such post mortem lesions in 
hogs. 

The disturbance in nutrition and the class of 
symptoms shown by the hog depend on the number 
of worms present. In most cases the animal does 
not harbor more than three or four, and these are 
often associated with other forms, generally common 
round worms. Badly infected pigs are said to show 
an irregular appetite, constipation, diarrhoea, severe 
pain, and marked unthriftiness. Most writers con- 
sider the nervous symptoms of most importance. 
However, the symptoms shown do not dififer greatly 
from those resulting from the presence of round 
worms. 

THE PIN WORM 
CEsophagostoma Dentatiim — Rud. 

The pin worm is a very common parasite in hogs. 
It is usually found in large numbers toward the be- 
ginning of the large intestine (caecum and double 
colon), mixed with the intestinal contents and be- 
tween the folds of the lining membrane. It is a 
small worm, and unless looked for carefully escapes 
notice. 

Description. — The body of the pin worm is white 
or grayish brown in color, straight and pointed at 



174 DISEASES OP SWINE 

both extremities. The average length is about half 
an inch. The female is larger than the male. 

Source of Infection. — This species of intestinal 
worm is very widely distributed. Infection and re- 
production occur the same as in other round worms. 
The large is a more favorable location for parasites 
than the small intestine, as they are situated so far 
back that it is difficult to destroy them, and a healthy 
digestion does not disturb their development to the 
same extent that it does in the small intestine. 

Symptoms. — It is generally understood that pin 
worms interfere but very little with the thriftiness 
of their host. The worm is small, and its location 
and habits are not what we expect in one causing 
marked disturbance. Although often present in 
large numbers, the irritation to the intestines is not 
sufficient to cause >a noticeable inflammation of the 
hning membrane. It does not seem to cause as much 
annoyance 'and restlessness as do the pin worms in 
other species of animals. 

Little is known regarding the symptoms of dis- 
ease produced by the pin worm of hogs. But no 
doubt in conjunction with other parasites it helps in 
aggravating the symptoms of intestinal parasitic dis- 
eases. 

THE WHIP WORM 
Trichoccphahis Crcnatus — Rud. 

The whip worm is the least common of the in- 
testinal worms of hogs. It is usually found in the 
beginning of the large intestine (caecum), with its 
head end firmly attached to the lining membrane. 



PARASITIC DISEASES 



175 



Description. — The whip worm is about one and a 
half inches long*. The anterior two-thirds of the body 
is very thin and hair-like, and the posterior third is 
suddenly expanded, thick and cyHndrical in shape. 
It is because of its resembling a whip in shape that 
it is popularly known as whip worm. The male is 




FIG. 22 — WHIP WORMS ATTACHED TO WALL OF INTESTINE 

smaller than the female, but the difference in size 
is not as noticeaible as in other forms. The male 
can be easily recognized by its coiled caudal ex- 
tremity. 

Source of Infection. — Infection occurs in the 
usual manner. The ova, or eggs, become scattered 
about the pens and pastures, and are taken into the 



176 DISEASES OF SWINE 

digestive tract along with the food, usually the 
drinking-water. Four weeks after reaching the 
intestines, eggs that contain well-developed embryos 
are said to develop into mature worms. 

Symptoms. — The whip worm seems to cause but 
little disturbance, even, when present in large num- 
bers. It no doubt irritates the lining membrane of 
the caecum, but irritation such as produced by this 
parasite does not interfere with the digestion of food 
to a noticeable degree. When present along with 
other forms, it no doubt helps in producing symptoms 
of parasitism. 

THE TREATMENT OF INTESTINAL WORMS 

Preventive Treatment. — The animal parasites that 
are the most common are those having a simple life 
history. When an intermediate host is required, as is 
the case with the diorn-headed worm, tapeworms, 
and flukes, there is a better opportunity to destroy 
them, and a very small per cent, of the eggs and 
larvae develop into mature worms. In all forms, 
however favorable the surroundings and simple the 
life history, a large per cent, of the eggs perish. 
But when the conditions are favorable, the eggs 
and larvae are able to survive for a longer time and 
have a better chance to infect animals and reach 
maturity. 

Stagnant ponds formed by surface water and in 
which hogs wallow are favorable places for the 
lower forms of animal life to incubate and develop. 
For this reason old pens and pastures, if wet, should 



PARASITIC DISEASES 177 

not be used for 'hogs. The pastures and pens should 
be well drained and all ponds filled in. More atten- 
tion should be given the methods used in feeding 
hogs. Feeding in muddy yards that have been in 
use for years and on feeding floors that are not kept 
clean, should not be practised. The drinking-water 
should come from a deep well, and we should try to 
keep it pure by using clean troughs in which the 
hogs cannot wallow and fill with filth. 

In young hogs the feeding of a ration that will 
meet the needs of the system and keep them in a 
healthy condition, is an important preventive measure. 
Because of the healthy, active condition of the in- 
testines and other organs as well, the parasites are 
unable to live and multiply, and most of them perish 
and are thrown off. In the average herd, freedom 
from this class of disease does not depend so much 
on the surroundings, but on the vigor of the hogs 
themselves. 

In order to prevent infection from thorn-headed 
worms, hogs should not be allowed to run around old 
straw stacks and manure heaps, or in places where 
white grubs are common. Old hog lots and pastures 
can be largely freed from grubs by plowing and 
sowing them to some forage crop. 

Medicinal Treatment.— The average herd of pigs 
is kept under such conditions that it is necessary 
to dose them at least once during the year with 
some remedy that will destroy the worms, or drive 
them out of the intestines. Drugs belonging to 
this class are called vermicides and vermifuges. 



178 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Some of the "hog cholera remedies" contain these 
drugs, and swine breeders sometimes use these 
preparations as remedies for intestinal worms. 

Turpentine, santonin and calomel are the drugs 
most used for destroying intestinal worms. In 
treating hogs, the best and easiest method of giving 
the remedy is in the feed- It is best to divide the 
herd into small bunches of five or ten, and dose 
each bunch separately. If this is not practiced, all 
will not receive the proper dose. Powdered prepa- 
rations like santonin and calomel, that are insolu- 
ble, should be mixed with ground feed and fed in 
a trough. Drugs like turpentine and gasoline, that 
form an emulsion with milk, are best given in this 
manner. 

Turpentine is a cheap and convenient remedy, 
especially for the thorn-headed worm. The dose is 
one teaspoon ful for every eighty, or one hundred 
pounds live weight. A very good time to admin- 
ister it is in the morning after the pigs have been 
starved for at least twelve hours. Withholding all 
food for a short time before giving the remedy 
should be practiced. The dose of turpentine should 
be repeated daily until three doses are given. 

Stockmen will find santonin and calomel very 
effective remedies for intestinal worms. Five 
grains of calomel, and eight grains of santonin may 
be given for every hundred pounds live weight. 
The two drugs should be put up in powders large 
enough for the bunch of five or ten pigs, and fed in 
ground feed. A mixture of areca nut and worm 



PARASITIC DISEASES 1 79 

seed In teaspoonful closes is also recommended. In 
special cases it is well to follow the above with a 
physic. 

THE KIDNEY WORM 
Sclerostoma Pinguicola — Verrill 

Stockmen are better acquainted with the intes- 
tinal worms than they are with the kidney worm. 
As its name indicates, it is a parasite of the kidneys 
and the fat surrounding them. The kidney worm 
is not as common as the intestinal forms, and is 
not found in such large numbers. Its home is in 
cysts and canals excavated in the tissues, and gen- 
erally two or more worms are present in the one 
cyst, together with a large number of eggs. 

Description. — The body is cylindrical in shape 
and tapering toward the extremities, dark in color 
and quite mottled. The female is from an inch 
and a half to two inches in length, and the tail is 
curved with a conical-shaped tip. The male is from 
an inch to an inch and a half in length, and the 
posterior extremity forms a blunt point. The mouth 
in either sex is circular. 

The eggs are oval-shaped and about one two- 
hundred-and-fiftieth of an inch in length. 

Source of Infection. — The method of infection, or 
the life history of the kidney worm, has never been 
worked out, but no doubt infection occurs direct 
from one hog to another without an intermediate 
host. Some of the canals and cysts occupied by the 
worms open into the pelvis of the kidney. The eggs 
deposited in these cysts become mixed with the 




FIG. 23 — SECTION OF HOG S KIDNEY SHOWING KIDNEY WORMS 



PARASITIC DISEASES l8l 

urine and pass out with it. Moist surroundings 
seem to be necessary for the development of the 
embryos. The probable method of infection is 
through the food supply. The well-developed em- 
bryos reach the intestines along with the food, and 
finally pass from here to the region of the kidneys, 
where they find the conditions favorable for de- 
velopment. 

Symptoms. — The kidney worm does not produce 
characteristic symptoms of disease, and we are un- 
able to diagnose its presence in the living animal, 
unless it is possible to find the eggs of the parasite 
on making an examination of the urine. Some 
swine breeders believe that a weak back and 
paralysis of the hind parts are symptoms of this 
disease, and a few years ago the kidney worm was 
claimed by some to cause hog cholera. There is 
nothing to prove the above statements, and the 
presence of the worm under such conditions is only 
a coincidence. Paralysis in hogs is not produced 
by this parasite, as has been proven by numerous 
post mortem examinations. 

The irritation to the walls of the pelvis and ureter 
is sometimes sufficient to cause an inflammation of 
the parts, but in hogs so diseased, no noticeable 
symptoms of kidney trouble develop. The tissue 
in the region of the cysts and canals is replaced 
largely by inflammatory tissue. Small pus centers 
are often noted. Large abscesses may also occur, 
but the latter lesion is quite common when no kid- 
ney worms are present. 



l82 DISEASES OF SWINE 

Treatment. — Preventive treatment is the only suc- 
cessful method of combating the kidney worm. 
This is along the same lines as recommended for 
intestinal worms. The turpentine treatment may 
be of some benefit, as it is partially eliminated from 
the body by the kidneys. However, it is hardly 
probable that such treatment as this would prove 
at all effective, even if a correct diagnosis was made. 

THE LUNG WORM 

Strongylus Paradoxus — Mehlis 

The lung worm of hogs is of greater economic 
importance than is commonly believed. It is the 
most common parasite of swine, and when the con- 
ditions are favorable for its development, may be 
present in the air passages in large numbers and 
seriously interfere with the thriftiness of the pigs. 
It is usually found in the small bronchial tubes 
mixed with the mucus, which is secreted in abun- 
dance by the irritated lining membrane. If the 
infection is light, the parasite is generally over- 
looked. In such cases if a piece of the lung is cut 
off at the apex, and the tissue pressed between the 
fingers, the worms present in the bronchi are forced 
out and onto the cut surface. 

Description. — The lung worm has a thread-like 
body, varying in length from three-quarters of an 
inch to an inch and a half, and white or brownish 
in color. The male is smaller than the female and 
the tail is curved. 

Source of Infection. — The complete life history 



PARASITIC DISEASES 1 83 

of the lung worm of hogs is not known. The ma- 
ture worms, which are present in the bronclii, pro- 
duce a large number of eggs and embryos. These, 
and sometimes the adult worms, are coughed up 
with the mucus and become scattered about the 
pens and pastures. Moist surroundings are favor- 
able for the development of the embryos, but such 
conditions do not seem to be necessary for their 
development. Pigs kept in dry lots and well cared 
for frequently become infected, but wet surround- 
ings are more favorable for infection, and under 
such conditions this class of disease may take on a 
severe form. 

Lung worm diseases cannot be produced in ani- 
mals by feeding them the mucus from the air pas- 
sages of diseased individuals. The only avenue of 
infection is seemingly the air passages. It has been 
shown that after the embryos have undergone de- 
velopment in moist earth, they stand drying for a 
short time, and when placed in moist surroundings 
will again assume their activity. It seems possible, 
then, for infection to occur as a result of inhaling 
dust containing embryos. This is possible because 
of the habit hogs have of wallowing in the mud 
and coating themselves with dirt, which soon dries 
and is brushed off in the hog houses and pens, and 
helps to make their quarters dusty. When this dust 
is inhaled, any embryonic worms contained in it 
will find sufficient moisture in the air passages to 
revive them. 

Symptoms and Lesions. — The disease is largely 



1 84 DISEASES OF SWINE 

confined to pigs, and in most cases the symptoms 
are so mild that the character of the aihiient is not 
suspected. A spasmodic cough is the most promi- 
nent symptom. Sometimes, regular coughing spells 
come on when the animal begins moving about, after 
it has been lying down. Unless the infection is 
severe, difficult breathing does not occur, and there 
is no noticeable check in the growth and thriftiness 
of the pig. The latter symptoms are never as 
marked as in lung-worm diseases of calves and 
lambs. 

In well-cared-for pigs, the appetite remains good 
and the pig gradually outgrows the disease. In 
poorly cared-for and weak individuals, the outcome 
is not so favorable, and they may become stunted 
and the disease persist for a long time. Death 
seldom occurs. 

The lung lesions are produced by the worms irri- 
tating the lining membrane of the bronchial tubes, 
causing it to become inflamed and increasing the 
amount of mucus secretions. This mucus, to- 
gether with the worms, may plug the small bronchi, 
prevent the air from passing to the air cells, and 
cause a lobular pneumonia. Healthy hogs that are 
slaughtered in the abattoir are frequently infested 
with lung worms ; the lungs in such cases show but 
little evidence of disease. 

Treatment. — This parasite is so widely distributed 
that it is necessary to use all measures of precaution 
possible in order to prevent infection. The yards 
should be well drained, and all ponds and mud holes 



PARASITE DISEASES 1 85 

kept filled in. The sleeping quarters should be kept 
clean and disinfectants used freely. Other meas- 
ures as recommended in the treatment of intestinal 
worms should also be used. 

Medicinal treatment is of little value. Inhalation 
of tar, or turpentine fumes, may be used, but the 
general use of such lines of treatment is unpractical. 
The best and most practical method of treating 
lung worm diseases is good care, nourishing food 
and hygenic surroundings'. 

TRICHINOSIS 

Trichinosis is a disease of the muscular tissue of 
the body caused by a small round worm, the 
Trichina Spiralis (Owen). It occurs in two forms 
in animals — the intestinal, which represents the 
adult worm or perfect stage, and the muscular, which 
represents the larval stage. From one to three per 
cent, of the pork that is inspected in this country 
is said to be infested with this parasite. 

Source of Infection. — Hogs become affected by 
eating rats that are infested with the larval form. 
According to the investigations made by Stiles, rats 
around the country slaughter-houses are quite gen- 
erally infested with trichina, due no doubt to the 
careless way of disposing of the offal at such places. 
Hogs also have an opportunity to feed on the offal 
and become infected. 

Flesh containing the larval trichina, when taken 
into the digestive tract, is acted on by the digestive 
juices, and the young parasites are liberated. With- 



1 86 DISEASES OF SWINE 

in a few days they develop into the adult form, 
copulation takes place, the eggs hatch in the uterus 
of the female, and in about one week the embryos 
are born. The embryos then migrate from the in- 
testines and finally encyst in the different parts of 
the body. 

At first the symptoms manifested are those of 
some digestive disease, but later when the embryos 
are migrating through the tissues of the body, the 
symptoms are rheumatic in character. 

Treatment. — In order to suppress trichinosis in 
hogs, it is necessary to practice proper preventive 
measures.' The most necessary preventive precau- 
tion is to dispose of the offal at the country 
slaughter-house by tanking, and not allow rats and 
hogs to eat this refuse. 

As this disease is communicable to man and may 
be followed by fatal results, pork should be eaten 
only when well cooked, or well cured. The en- 
cysted worms cannot survive the proper curing and 
cooking of the pork. 



A LIST OF BOOKS USED AS REFERENCE 

Friedberger and Frohner. — Pathology and Therapeutics 
of the Domestic Animals. W. L. Zuill. M. H. Hayes. 

Law. — Veterinary Medicine. 

Moore. — The Pathology of Infectious Diseases of Ani- 
mals. 

Neumann. — A Treatise on the Non-Microbic Parasitic 
Diseases of the Domesticated Animals. George 
Fleming. 

Fleming. — Veterinary Obstetrics. 

Sternberg. — Infection and Immunity. 

Winslow. — Veterinary Materia Medica and Therapeutics. 

Moeller. — Regional Veterinary Surgery. John A. W. Dol- 
lar. 



LIST OF REPORTS, BULLETINS AND PERIODI- 
CALS USED AS REFERENCE 

Annual Reports and Special Reports issued by the Bureau 

of Animal Industry, U. S. Department of Agriculture. 
Bulletins issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry, U. S. 

Department of Agriculture. 
Bulletins issued by the various State Experiment Stations; 

especially Bulletin No. lOO, Vol. 12, Purdue University 

Agricultural Experiment Station. 
Agricultural Periodicals. 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Abortion , . 68, 69 

Abscesses ....»•-••• 1^^» ^•'^° 

in the Kidneys ... 33 

Administration of Medicine ... 4, 6 

by injecting into the tissues be- 
neath the skin 



PAGE 

Constipation 23, 24 

Cold in the Head 39, 40 

Cotton Seed, Poisoning from Eat- 



ing 

Cystic Calculi 

Cystitis 34 



18 



by way of the mouth 4, 6 D^P^f^^^^^Pf^^^^^, ;^/ ' ' 'f^' 

by way of the air passages and "" " 

lungs . . . o, « 

by way of the rectum 7 

Anus, Prolapsus of the . . . 113, 114 
Arthritis, Infectious ..... 153, 155 

Articular Rheumatism 86. 88 

Barrenness ......••• 66, 68 

Beards, Effect of Eating Wheat 

and Barley 19. 20 

Blind Staggers ......... 59, 60 

Bladder, Inflammation of the . 34, 36 
Blood Poisoning ....... 155, 158 

Body Temperature, The ..... 2, 3 

Body Excretions and Secretions 



The 



3. 4 



59 
45 
92 
40 



Brain, Inflammation and Conges- 

i n of the 57, 

Bronchitis '*3> 

BuUnose 91, 

Catarrh, Nasal 39, 

Castration 105,107 

Complications following . . 108, 109 
of Cryptorchids of " Orig- 
inals" 109,111 

Cholera, Hog • • H^, 134 

Causes 118' 121 

Symptoms 121 . 126 

Treatment 126, 134 

Cholera. Disease Resembling Hog 

135, 13o 



36 

11 

Diaphram, Spasm of the . . . . 54, 56 

Diarrhoea ... 22, 23 

in Young Pigs 20, 22 

Disease, General Symptoms of . 1, 
Diseases, General ....... 1, 

of the Disestive Organs ... 8, 

of the Heart 53, 

of the Generative Organs . . 66, 

of the Liver 27, 

of the Locomotory Organs . . 86, 
of the Nervous System .... 57, 65 
of the Respiratory Tract . . 39, 52 

of the Skin ; 80, 85 

of the Spleen 38 

of the Urinary Organs . . . . 31, 37 

Infectious 117, 158 

Parasitic 161« 186 

Surgical 97, 114 

Dysentery 22, 

Eczema 



4 

7 
26 
56 
79 
29 
93 



60, 



Choking 



97. 98 



Epilepsy 

Ergot, Poisoning from Eating 18, 

Fits ^0, 

Gall Stones ^_ 1~ 

Garget '^•'^' 

Gastritis, Acute H. 

Chronic 12i 

Gastro-enteritis 13» 

Growths or tumor formations . . 

Heat Stroke 61, 62 

Heart Diseases in General . .53, 54 

189 



•6 
12 
13 
16 
109 



I90 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Hemorrhage 108 

Hematocele 77, 78 

Hernia 98, 104 

Umbilical 99, 101 

Scrotal 101,103 

Ventral 103,104 

Hog Cholera 117,134 

Louse, The 161,167 

Indigestion, Acute 11, 13 

Chronic 12, 13 

Infectious Diseases 117, 158 

Sore Mouth in Pigs ..... 142, 145 

Arthritis 153,155 

Intestinal Worms, The Treatment 

of. . . 176,179 

Intestines, Inflammation of the 

Stomach and 13, l6 

Inversion and Prolapsus of the 

Vagina and Uterus 73, 75 

Jaundice 27, 30 

Kidneys, Congestion and Inflam- 
mation of the 31, 34 

Kidney Worm, The 179, 182 

Laryngitis 40, 43 

Liver, Congestion and Inflamma- 
tion of the 27, 30 

Locomotory Organs, Diseases of 

the 66, 79 

Louse, The Hog 161, 167 

Lungs, Inflammation of the . . 45, 49 

Lung Worm, The 183, 185 

Mange, Pitch 82, 84 

Meat Brine, Poisoning from . . 16, 17 
Medicine, Administration of . . 4, 7 
Mouth, Simple Inflammation of 

the 8, 10 

Mouth, Infectious Sore . . . 142, 145 
Mucous Membranes, The Visible . 3 
Muscular and Articular Rheuma- 
tism 86, 88 

Nasal Catarrh 39, 40 

Nervous System, Diseases of 

the 57, 65 

Nettle-rash 80, 82 

Orchitis 76, 77 

i' Originals," Castration of . . 109, 111 



PAGE 

Ovariotomy Ill, II3 

Palpitation 54, 56 

Paralysis of the Posterior Part of 

the Body 62, 65 

Paralysis of the Bladder 36 

Parasitic Diseases 1.58, 186 

Peritonitis 24, 26 

Peritonium, I n fl a m m a t i o n of 

the 24, 26 

Pharjmgo-laryngitis 40, 42 

Pin Worm, The 173, 174 

Pleura, Inflammation of the . . 49, 52 

Pleurisy 49, 52 

Pneumonia 45, 49 

Poisoning 10, 19 

Blood 155, 158 

Prepuce or Sheath, Inflammation 

of the 78, 79 

Prolapsus of the Anus . . . . 113,114 

Pyaemia, Simple 155, 1.58 

Rabies 1.50, 153 

Respirations per minute, The num- 
ber of 3 

Respiratory Tract, Diseases of 

the 39, 52 

Retention of the Urine .... 36, 37 

Rhachitis 88, 90 

Rheumatism, Muscular and Artic- 
ular 86, 88 

Round Worm, The Common . 167, 170 

Scours 20, 23 

Scrotum, Water in the 77, 78 

Scrotal or Inguinal Hernia . . 101, 103 

Septicaemia, Simple 155, 158 

Sheath, Inflammation of the Pre- 
puce or 78, 79 

Skin, Diseases of the 80, 85 

Warts 84, 85 

Spasm of the Diaphram .... 54, 56 
of the Neck of the Bladder . . 36 

Snuffles 91, 92 

Sore Feet 92, 93 

Teats 76 

Throat 40, 42 

Mouth in Pigs, Infectious . 142, 145 
Mouth, Simple 8, 10 



INDEX 



191 



PAGE 

Spleen, Diseases of the .... 38 

Spaying Ill, 113 

Staggers, Blind 59, 60 

Sterility 66, 68 

Stomatitis, Simple 8, 10 

Necrotic 142, 145 

Sunstroke 61, 63 

Swine Plague 136, 142 

Causes 137, 138 

Symptoms 138, 140 

Treatment 141 

Temperature, the Body .... 2, 3 
Testicles, Inflammation of the . 76, 77 

Thumps 54, 56 

Thorn Headed Worm, The . . 170, 173 
Treatment of Intestinal Worms, 

The 176, 179 

Trichinosis 185, 186 

Tuberculosis 145, 150 

Tumor formations, Growths of . 109 
Udder, Inflammation of the . . 75, 76 



PAGE 

Umbilical Hernia 99, 101 

Urinary Organs, Diseases of the 

31 37 
Urine, Retention of the .... 38, 37 

Urticaria 80, 83 

Vagina, Inflammation of the 

Uterus and , . 71, 73 

Ventral Hernia 103, 104 

Vertigo 59, 60 

Washing Powders, Poisoning 

from 17, 18 

Warts, Skin 84, 85 

Wheat and Barley Beards^ Effect 

of Eating 19, 20 

Worm, The Common Round . 167, 170 

The Thorn Headed 170, 17S 

The Oin 173, 174 

The Whip, 174, 176 

The Kidney 179, 183 

The Lung 182, 185 

Yellows . 27, 30 



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